THE HISTORY OF THE
LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
1.9x4.-1918
aiot/^ tf'-yiw
A SOLDIER OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
THE HISTORY
of the
LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
1914-1918
Compiled from War Diaries, Despatches,
Officers' Notes and Other Sources
Edited by
MAJOR-GENERAL C. R. SIMPSON, C.B.
COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT
WrTH a Foreword
BY
THE EARL OF YAR30ROUGH, P.C.
Illustrated by
CHARLES SIMPSON, R.T.
LONDON
THE MEDICI SOCIETY, LTD., MCMXXXI
THIS IS A BLANK PAGE
Printed in England
FOREWORD
BY THE EARL OF YARBOROUGH, P.C.
LORD LIEUTENANT OF LINCOLNSHIRE
THE Lincolnshire Regiment, so long known as the ioth
Regiment of Foot, was formed nearly two hundred and
fifty years ago, when King James II was on the Throne,
and has seen service in all parts of the world as testified by its
long list of Battle Honours ; its gallant deeds in times past have
been fully recorded in the " History of the Lincolnshire Regi-
ment," by Mr. Albert Lee, published in 191 1.
It has been specially favoured in having had for many years
Major-General C.R. Simpson as its Colonel. He has always
taken the greatest interest in every battalion of the Regiment
and visits them at intervals wherever they may be stationed.
Four years ago he travelled to India to visit the and Battalion
then serving at Lucknow, and in 1930 the 1st Battalion in Gibral-
tar. It would be impossible to find anyone more fitted than
General Simpson to edit the record of the Regiment's splendid
achievements in the Great War and I am sure all who read the
volume will appreciate the manner in which it is written and the
maps, numbering more than 40, which have been drawn by
himself, while the excellent illustrations are the work of his
talented son, Charles Simpson, R.I.
To my mind it is an interesting fact about the Lincolnshire
Regiment in the late War, that eight of the ten battalions which
fought in France and Gallipoli, namely the 4th, 5th, 2 /4th,
2 /5th, 6th, 7th^ 8th and ioth, were all raised in the County.
Further, the 1st and 2nd Battalions were recruited in the County
and their heavy losses made good from the County. I should
mention too that the 3rd Battalion under Colonel King-Fane
did most valuable work in training and sending out reinforce-
ments.
Another very interesting and significant fact brought to light
in the Great War is, that notwithstanding units being redupli-
cated over and over again, they all appeared to inherit the
esprit de corps of their Regiments and fully acted up to the
tradition of the Regiment of which they formed part.
The fine traditions of the Regiment are being maintained.
Four years ago the 2nd Battalion then serving in India was
inspected by F.M. Sir William Birdwood, the Commander-in-
Chief in India ; he wrote to inform me of the high state of
efficiency of the battalion and he added '.
" I was inspecting it a short while before they held their annual
Sobraon Day and in consequence I was able to see a rehearsal of their
parade for Trooping of the Colour. There was a very large proportion
v
FOREWORD
of young soldiers in the battalion, yet I can say honestly I have never
seen a parade carried out better in every respect. The young soldiers
stood like rocks and evidently have every intention of upholding the
tradition of the Lincolnshire Regiment."
The battalion was commanded at that time by Lt.-Colonel
A.B. Johnson, D.S.O.
It is satisfactory that this book is to be published at a price
which will make it available for all who served in the regiment
or are interested in it. Those who read it will be able to form
some idea of the magnitude of the work which General Simpson
has undertaken and which has occupied four years to complete.
By his self-imposed task he has earned the gratitude not only
of the Regiment he loves so well, but of the whole County of
Lincoln.
Yarborough.
Brocklesby Park,
November, 1931.
Note. — More recently, General Sir Alexander Godley, Governor and Commander-in-
Chief of Gibrahar, in a letter to Major-General Simpson, expressed in the -warmest
terms his appreciation of the character and efficiency of the ist Battalion, and his regret
at their departure, when they left Gibraltar for Shanghai, in October, 1931.
November, 193 1. C.K.b.
Vl
BATTLE HONOURS
OF THE
LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
The Sphinx, superscribed " Egypt."
" BLENHEIM," " RAMILLIES," " OUDENARDE,"
" MALPLAQUET," " PENINSULA," " SOBRAON,"
" MOOLTAN," " GOOJERAT," " PUNJAUB," " LUCK-
NOW," " ATBARA," " KHARTOUM," " PAARDE-
BERG," "SOUTH AFRICA, 1900-02."
The Great War— 19 Battalions. — " MONS," " Le Cateau,"
"Retreat from Mons," " MARNE, 1914," " Aisne, 19 14,
'18," "La Basset, 1914," " MESSINES, 1914, '17, '18,"
" Armentieres, 1914," " TPRES, 19 14, '15, '17," " Nonne
Bosschen," " NEUVE CHAPELLE," " Gravenstafel," " St.
Julten," " Frezenberg," " Bellewaarde," " Aubers," " LOOS,"
"SOMME, 1916, '18," "Albert, 1916, '18," " Bazentin,"
" Delville Wood," " Pozieres," " Flers-Courcelette," " Mor-
val," "Thiepval," " An ere, 1916, '18," "Arras, 1917, '18,"
" Scarpe, 1917, '18," " Arleux," " Pilckem," " Langemarck,
1917," "Menin Road," "Polygon Wood," " Broodseinde,"
" Poelcapelle," " Passchendaele," " Cambrai, 1917, '18,"
"St. Quentin," " Bapaume, 191 8," " LYS," " Estaires,"
"Bailleul," "Kemmel," "Amiens," " Drocourt-Queant,"
"HINDENBURG LINE," " Epehy," "Canal du Nord,"
" St. Quentin Canal," " Beaurevoir," " Selle," " Sambre,"
"France and Flanders, 1914-18," " SUVLA," "Landing at
Suvla," "Scimitar Hill," " Gallipoli, 1915," " Egypt, 1916."
The Battle Honours, in the list above, from "BLENHEIM" to "SOUTH
AFRICA " are emblazoned on the " Regimental Colour."
Ten of the Battle Honours in the Great War are printed in capital letters in the list.
They are emblazoned on the " King's Colour."
They were recommended for that distinction to the Army Council for submission to
His Majesty the King, by a regimental committee, on which each of the battalions
which helped to earn them was represented.
November, 1931.
vii
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i
EDITORS PREFACE
THIS chronicle of the share which part of the Nation,
connected by its title with the County of Lincolnshire,
took in the Great War, has been compiled, prin-
cipally, from the War Diaries of battalions in the field, in
circumstances always unfavourable to literary composition, and
sometimes in conditions which were almost unbearable. It
has been supplemented by the notes of officers who read the
draft as it was written as well as by reference to despatches,
official and other records.
■ To the survivors of those who personally took part in the
operations described, it will recall to memory the scenes in
which they were actors, and the comrades with whom they
served. To other readers it may, it is hoped, act as a reminder,
if a reminder be necessary, of the self-sacrifice, the sense of
duty to country, of the many men of all classes and all ages
from youth to middle-age, who left their ordinary occupations
in civil life to bear arms in defence of their country, and to the
relatives of those who fell, as a memorial.
The connection of the Tenth Regiment of Foot, raised in
1685, with the County of Lincolnshire commenced in 1782.
The more intimate connection of the Regiment with the County,
in 188 1, when the 10th (North Lincolnshire) Regiment became
the Lincolnshire Regiment, and was consummated when the
County, as a county, was represented in the Great War, not
only by the Lincolnshire Yeomanry, but by the battalions of
infantry which bore its name and contributed nearly nine
thousand names to the Roll of Honour in Lincoln Cathedral.
The grateful thanks of all who read this volume are due to
the subscribers, principally in the County, led by the Earl of
Yarborough, whose help made possible the compilation of this
work.
My personal thanks are due to the many friends who assisted
by their comments on narratives of operations in which they
fought, and especially to members of the committee, to Brigadier
F.G. Spring, C.M.G., D.S.O., who acted as Treasurer from
October, 1927, until his departure to take up a command in
India ; to Lt.-Colonels FitzG. Cox and F.W. Greatwood,
D.S.O., who read and checked the whole of the MS. ; Lt.-
Colonel Greatwood succeeded Brigadier Spring as Treasurer ;
and to Captain Crick, M.C., Secretary to the local committee
in Lincoln.
November, 1931. C. R. SlMPSON.
IX
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CONTENTS
PAGE
FOREWORD BY THE EARL OF YARBOROUGH,
P.C., LORD LIEUTENANT OF LINCOLNSHIRE v
BATTLE HONOURS OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGI-
MENT vii
EDITOR'S PREFACE ix
PART ONE : Mobilisation and The Battles of Mons,
THE MARNE AND THE AlSNE
I. 19 14 MOBILISATION OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT 3
II. THE BATTLE OF MONS : 23RD AUGUST, I914 5
III. THE RETREAT FROM MONS II
IV. THE BATTLE OF LE CATEAU : 26TH AUGUST, 1914 1 8
V. THE RETREAT RESUMED 21
VI. THE BATTLE OF THE MARNE : 7TH-IOTH SEPTEMBER,
I914 29
VII. THE BATTLE OF THE AISNE, I914 35
PART TWO : Trench Warfare, Reinforcements and the
Battles of 19 14
1. the beginning of trench warfare 43
II. the mobilisation of the 3RD (reserve) battalion,
THE TERRITORIALS, AND RAISING, OF THE SERVICE
BATTALIONS OF THE REGIMENT 47
III. THE BATTLES OF LA BASSEE, ARMENTIERES, AND MESSINES,
1914 : IOTH OCTOBER— 2ND NOVEMBER 53
IV. THE BATTLES OF YPRES, I914 66
PART THREE : The Battle of Neuve Chapelle, the
Second Battles of Ypres, and the Battle of Loos
i. the 2nd battalion leaves bermuda yj
ii. the battle of neuve chapelle : ioth-i3th
MARCH, I9I 5 79
III. TRENCH WARFARE, YPRES, I915 87
IV. THE BATTLES OF YPRES, 1915 88
V. THE BATTLE OF AUBERS RIDGE ! 9TH MAY, 1915 9 1
VI. THE FIRST ATTACK ON BELLEWAARDE : l6TH JUNE, 1915 97
VII. FROM MARCH 1915 TO THE EVE OF THE BATTLE OF LOOS :
4TH, 5TH AND 7TH BATTALIONS IO3
VIII. THE BATTLE OF LOOS : 25TH SEPTEMBER-8TH OCTOBER,
1915 IO9
IX. THE ACTION OF BOIS GRENIER, 25TH SEPTEMBER 117
X. THE SECOND ATTACK ON BELLEWAARDE : 25TH-26TH
SEPTEMBER 1 23
XI. ACTIONS OF THE HOHENZOLLERN REDOUBT : 13TH-19TH
OCTOBER 1 24
XII. THE 46TH DIVISION EMBARKS FOR EGYPT 1 30
XIII. THE ACTIONS OF THE BLUFF : I4TH-15TH FEBRUARY
AND 2ND MARCH, I916 1 32
xi
CONTENTS
PAGE
PART FOUR : The Dardanelles Campaign, 19 15
I. THE LANDING AT SUVLA BAY '. 6TH-I fjTH AUGUST, I915 I4I
II. THE BATTLE OF SCIMITAR HILL : 2IST AUGUST, 1915-
THE ATTACK ON ISMAIL OGLU TEPE I5 1
III. THE EVACUATION OF SUVLA : I9TH-26TH DECEMBER)
1915 154
PART FIVE : The Battles of the Somme, 19 i 6
I. the battle of albert : IST-13TH july 159
II. the battle of bazentin : 14.TH-17TH July, 19 16 182
in. the battle of delville wood : 15TH july-^rd
SEPTEMBER 1 83
IV. THE BATTLE OF POZIERES RIDGE : 23RD JULY-3R.D
SEPTEMBER 1 85
V. THE BATTLE OF FLERS-COURCELETTE : l5TH^22ND
SEPTEMBER 1 87
VI. THE BATTLE OF MORVAL : 25TH~28tH SEPTEMBER J
THE CAPTURE OF GUEUDECOURT I9 1
VII. THE BATTLE OF THIEPVAL RIDGE t 26th-28tH SEP-
TEMBER 195
VIII. ZENITH TRENCH i 23RD OCTOBER 1 96
IX. THE BATTLE OF THE ANCRE : 13TH-18TH NOVEMBER 1 99
PART SIX : The Battles of Arras And Leas, 19 l 7
I. TRENCH WARFARE FROM JULY I916 TO THE 1ST MARCH,
1917 205
II. THE GERMAN RETREAT AND THE fiRITISHt ADVANCE TO"
THE HINDENBURG LINE: 14TH MARCH-^TH APRIL,
I917 212
III. THE BATTLES OF ARRAS, 191 7 (THE FIRST BATTLE OF THE
SCARPE, 9TH-14.TH APRIL) 223
IV. THE BATTLES OF ARRAS, I917 (THE SECOND' BATTLE OF
THE SCARPE, 23RD-24TH APRIL) 23 1
V. THE BATTLES OF ARRAS, I917 (THE BATTLE OF ARLEUX,
28TH--29TH APRIL J AND THE THIRD BATTLE OF THE
SCARPE, 3RD-4TH MAY) 234
VI. THE ATTACKS TOWARDS LENS \ 3RD JUNE-26TH
AUGUST, 19 17 238
PART SEVEN : The Flanders Offensive and the Battle
of Cambrai, 19 17
i, the flanders offensive : the battle of messines,
1917 : 7TH-14TH june 249
II. THE FLANDERS OFFENSIVE : THE BATTLES OF YPRES,
1 91 7 : 3 1 ST JULY-IOTH NOVEMBER 253
III. THE BATTLE OF CAMBRAI, I917 : 20TH NOVEMBER-
7TH DECEMBER 275
CONTENTS
PAGE
PART EIGHT : The German Offensive of 191 8
I. THE WINTER OF I917-I918 TO THE EVE OF THE GERMAN
OFFENSIVE OF THE 3 1 ST MARCH, I918 283
II. THE EVE OF THE GREAT GERMAN OFFENSIVE 289
III. THE GREAT GERMAN OFFENSIVE OF I918 : THE FIRST
BATTLES OF THE SOMME, I918, 2IST MARCH— 5 TH APRIL 394
IV. THE GREAT GERMAN OFFENSIVE OF 1 9 1 8 : THE BATTLES OF
THE LYS, 9TH-29TH APRIL 313
V. THE BATTLE OF THE AISNE, 1918, 27TH MAY=-^6tH JUNE 328
PART NINE : The Advance to Victory
I. THE BATTLE OF AMIENS ; 8TH— IITH AUGUST, IQl8 339
II. THE SECOND BATTLES OF THE SOMME, I918. THE BATTLE
OF ALBERT, I918 : 2IST-23RD AUGUST 34O
III. THE SECOND BATTLES OF THE SOMME, I918. THE SECOND
BATTLE OF BAPAUME, 3 1 ST AUGUST-3RD SEPTEMBER 349
IV. THE SECOND BATTLES OF ARRAS, 1918: THE BATTLE OF
THE SCARPE, 26TH-3OTH AUGUST j AND THE BATTLE
OF DROCOURT-QUEANT, 2ND-3RD SEPTEMBER 3^3
V. THE BATTLES OF THE HINDENBURG LINE : 1 2TH SEP-
TEMBER-9TH OCTOBER 357
VI. THE BATTLE OF CAMBRAI, I918 ! 8TH-9TH OCTOBER,
AND THE PURSUIT TO THE SELLE 37 J
VII. THE BATTLE OF THE SELLE, 17TH-25TH OCTOBER 378
VIII. THE BATTLE OF THE SAMBRE, 4TH NOVEMBER 383;
EPILOGUE
APPENDICES
I. BATTALIONS OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REQJMENT DURING
THE WAR
II. THE ROLL OF HONOUR
III. HONOURS AND AWARDS
IV. COMFORTS AND PRISONERS OF WAR FUNDS
INDEX
395
399/
401
493:
507
509
X1U
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
A Soldier of the Lincolnshire Regiment Frontispiece
page
Frameries
12
Le Cateau
19
The Retreat
21
The Attack on Herlies
58
Nonne Bosschen, iith November
69
Neuve Chapelle
83
ist Attack, Bellewaarde
99
German Counter-Attack, Bois
Hugo
ii5
Gas Masks and Steel Helmets,
Autumn, 19 15
128
Attack-Chocolate Hill
146
The Somme Bombardment
161
The Battle of Albert
168
German Prisoners, July, 1916
177
Zenith Trench
207
Dawn Before Arras
220
Arleux
235
Attacks Towards Lens
244
Ypres, 191 7
265
Tanks
276
The Fog Lifts
296
Crucifix Hill
322
German Troops moving to the
Front
3*7
Epehy
359
XIV
LIST OF MAPS AND PLANS
PAGE
Frameries 15
The Retreat from Mons and Advance to the Aisne Facing page 40
The Bethune-Ypres Area 54
La Bassee, 1 9 14 5°
Messines, 1914 63
The Battle of Ypres, 19 14 67
Neuve Chapelle, 1915 80
Aubers Ridge 93
ist Attack, Bellewaarde 98
Loos 113
Bois Grenier 119
hohenzollern redoubt 125
The Bluff 133
The Landing at Cape Helles 142
Suvla Bay H4
Attack on Ismail Oglu Tepe 153
The Attack at Fricourt, July ist, 19 16 165
The Attack at Fricourt Wood, July 2nd, 191 6 175
The Battles of the Somme, 191 6 Facing page 200
Zenith Trench 208
Attack on Hindenburg Line, April, 19 17 214
The German Retreat, March, 19 17 218
The Battles of Arras, April, 191 7 224, 226, 227
First Battle of the Scarpe, 1917 229
Third Battle of the Scarpe, 19 17 233
Attacks Towards Lens, 19 17 240
Battle of Messines, 191 7 251
The Battle of Ypres, 19 17 255
Attack at the Wambeke ' 257
The Battle of Cambrai 277
The German Offensive, March, 191 8 298
The Battle of the Ancre, 1918 [Battle of Rossignol Wood] 311
The Battle of Estaires 314
The Battle of Messines, 19 18 316
The Battle of the Aisne, 19 18 329
The Second Battles of the Somme, 19 18 342
The Second Battles of Arras, 19 18 355
Sergeant Simpson wins V.C. 35°
Battles of Epehy and Canal du Nord 362
6th Battalion, 30TH September, 19 18 365
The Battle of the St. Quentin Canal ,367
The Advance to Victory Facingpage 394
xv
REFERENCES
The following Abbreviations have been used : —
Official History
Official (Military) History
for
" History of the Great War " — Based on Official docu-
ments. Compiled by Brigadier-General Sir J.E. Edmonds.
Despatch (date), (para)
for
" Sir Douglas Haig's Despatches." Edited by Lieut-
Colonel J.H. Boraston, O.B.E.
The following works have also been consulted, references
in the text : —
"History of the 17th (Northern) Division," By A.
Hilliard Atteridge.
" The Breaking of the Hindenburg Line." By Major
Priestley, M.C., Royal Engineers (T. Fisher Unwin & Co.)
XVI
PART ONE
MOBILISATION AND
THE BATTLES OF MONS, THE MARNE
AND THE AISNE
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MOBILISATION E aug., r 9 i 4
I
1 9 14 MOBILISATION OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
THE Lincolnshire Regiment at the outbreak of war num-
bered five battalions, i.e., 1st and 2nd Regular, 3rd Special
Reserve (formerly Militia) and 4th and 5th Territorials.
The 1st Battalion (Lieut-Colonel W.E.B. Smith command-
ing) was stationed at Portsmouth, forming part of the 9th
Infantry Brigade, 3rd Division : the battalion was brigaded
with 1st Northumberland Fusiliers, 4th Royal Fusiliers and 1st
Royal Scots Fusiliers. The 9th Infantry Brigade was com-
manded by Brigadier-General F.C. Shaw, the 3rd Division by
Major-General Hubert Hamilton.
The 2nd Battalion in Bermuda was under the command of
Lieut.-Colonel G.B. McAndrew.
The 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion (Lieut.-Colonel W.V.R.
Fane commanding) had its Headquarters at Lincoln. The
depot of the Regiment, also at Lincoln, was commanded by
Major L. Edwards, who however was ordered on the 4th August
on duty to York, and handed over to Captain R.H. Johnston.
Colonel Ivatt took command from the nth August.
The 4th and 5th (Territorial) Battalions had their Head-
quarters respectively at the Drill Hall, Lincoln, and the Infantry
Drill Hall, Grimsby. Lieut.-Colonel J.W. Jessop commanded
the 4th, and Lieut.-Colonel T.E. Sandall the 5th.
At 6 p.m. on the 4th the 1st Battalion received orders to mobi-
lise. The ranks contained a large proportion of young soldiers
whose service ranged from a few weeks to two years. The per-
centage of old soldiers was very small, the strength of the
battalion being twenty-four officers and six hundred and seventy-
three other ranks.
On the 8 th August five hundred and forty-three mobilised
reservists joined from the depot at Lincoln, where they had
already been fitted out with clothing and equipment. Several
days were then spent in strenuous training for service overseas.
By the 12 th August mobilisation was finally completed, 1 and
all insufficiently trained men, with those earmarked as reinforce-
ments, or as cadres of new battalions, were despatched to join
the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion. One officer and one hundred other
ranks were detailed as first reinforcements, fit and ready to pro-
ceed overseas at a moment's notice. They were to remain in
barracks at Portsmouth after the departure of the battalion until
further orders.
1 The mobilisation of the Territorial Battalions and raising of the Service Battalions
of the Regiment will be described later.
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
One of the outstanding achievements of the War Office and
the Army generally, was the secrecy maintained as to the date of
embarkation and transport of the British Expeditionary Force to
France. The C.O.s and Adjutants of battalions were the only
officers who knew the dates of embarkation, and it was not until
after 5 p.m. on the 12th August that Colonel Smith was permitted
to tell his officers that they were to embark on the following day.
At 6.15 a.m. on the 13th August the right-half battalion of
the 1st Lincolnshire marched out of Victoria Barracks, Ports-
mouth, to the Town Station and entrained for Southampton. An
hour later, the left-half battalion followed. At Southampton
the battalion 1 went aboard the S.S. " Norman " : the regimental
transport, however, embarked on the S.S. " Italian Prince." (
Darkness had fallen when the vessels put out to sea. Standing
on the deck, watching the lights of England disappear in the
distance, officers and men were alike ignorant of their destination.
Land lights were seen at about 1 a.m. on the 14th. By 2.30
a.m. the " Norman " had berthed in the docks and soon the word
passed that this was Havre : the Battalion was to land on French soil.
Disembarkation began immediately. Companies were formed
up in a large shed, at one end of which was a steaming portable
boiler, from which a French civilian served coffee to the men as
they filed past, canteen in hand ready to receive it.
A single French soldier — a sentry near the shed — in the
typical uniform of 1 914 — blue and red peaked cap, blue overcoat
and red baggy trousers — excited the curiosity of those men who
had never seen a French infantryman before, but soon they were
to become close comrades.
At 10 o'clock the battalion marched from the docks through
the town of Havre, up the hill past historic Harfleur, to a con-
centration^ camp on the plateau. The mist had cleared away
and a semi-tropical sun beat down upon the men who, with their
packs and equipment, had a gruelling march of six miles over
rough roads. Eventually they reached the plateau, where the
battalion sheltered in an orchard. It received tents late in the
evening.
The night of 1 4th /i 5th was uncomfortable, a violent thunder-
storm breaking over the camp. Rain fell almost incessantly
throughout the 15th, but at 9 p.m. the battalion paraded and
marched to Havre railway station, and there entrained for an
unknown destination.
The following officers of the 1st Battalion Lincolnshire Regi-
ment landed in France with it : Lieut.-Colonel W.E.B. Smith,
Majors C. Toogood and D.H.F, Grant ; Captains F.W. Great-
wood, H.C.W. Hoskynsf, H.E. Dawsonf, F.C. Rose, Captain
1 Strength twenty-seven officers and nine hundred and seventy-one other ranks.
4
MONS [AUG. 23RD, 1914
and Adjutant R.E. Drakef, G.K. Butt, G.M. Ellison ; Lieu-
tenants A.W.P. Peddiefj L.M. Bullerf, C.C. Holmesf, B.J.
Thruston, E.L. Welchmanf ; 2nd Lieutenants A.E.C. Bainesf,
E.W. Wales, C. Hutchinson, R.FitzR.B. Herapathf, A.P. Snell,
W.M. Robertsonf, R.W. Cave-Orme, E. Barnesf, H. Marshall,
and Lieut., and Quartermaster F.W. Masters, who served with
the battalion to the end of the War. Lieutenant Trist, Officers'
Training Corps, attached to the battalion, went to France with
it. The following joined the battalion in France soon after :
Majors C.C.L. Barlowf, L. Edwardsf ; Captains H.M.C. Orr,
R.H. Johnston, L.deO. Tollemachef, J.D.D. Wickhamf,
E.J.deC. Boys ; Lieutenant J.H. Blackwood. The following
joined from the retired list : Captains C.G. Lyallf, R.N. Kingf,
J.N. Phillipsf, and Tatchell.
II
THE BATTLE OF MONS : 23RD AUGUST, I9I4
The unknown destination of the ist Lincolnshire was
Landrecies, a village at the southern extremity of the ForSt de
Mormal, in the neighbourhood of which the British Expedi-
tionary Force concentrated before moving to the position allotted
to it on the left flank of the Fifth French Army.
After a tumultuous welcome all along the line from kindly
French people, who at each halt bestowed gifts of chocolate,
flowers, handkerchiefs and other articles upon the troops (for
which cap badges, shoulder plates and even buttons were given
as souvenirs), the train carrying 9th Infantry Brigade Head-
quarters and the ist Lincolnshire reached Landrecies at about
8 p.m. on the 16th. The battalion, on detrainment, billeted in
Dupleix Barracks in the town. Other units of the 9th Brigade
arrived later, but on the following morning all marched out and
took up somewhat crowded quarters in Noyelles, about six miles
north-east of Landrecies, the 3rd Division having been ordered
to concentrate in the area Marbaix, Taisnieres, Noyelles.
The area allotted to the British Expeditionary Force for con-
centration before taking up its position on the left of the Fifth
French Army was roughly between Le Cateau and Maubeuge,
and east of the For6t de Mormal.
On the 1 8 th and 19th, troops route marched, and on the
following day the ist Lincolnshire moved to billets in Leval.
Note. — The sign f after a name signifies that the officer was killed in action or died
of wounds.
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
On 20th August, concentration was practically complete, and
at nightfall G.H.Q. issued orders for the movement northwards
to begin the next day : the move was to occupy three days. The
object of the advance ordered for the 21st was, in furtherance
of General Joffre's plan, for the British Expeditionary Force, and
the French Fifth Army (Lanrezac) to hold in check German
armies advancing from the Meuse, and gain time for the attack
of the French Third and Fourth Armies, on the German centre,
to become effective. The general situation on the 21st, how-
ever, was : The French First and Second Armies (French right)
were retiring, Third and Fourth had had a serious reverse, and
the Fifth was in a salient, formed by the Sambre and the Meuse,
and about to be attacked by the Germans. {Official History^
Vol I, pp. 38-41.)
The general situation on the night of the 20th, on the left of
the Allied line, was briefly as follows : the Fifth French Army
was concentrated on the right of the British Expeditionary Force,
ready also to move north. The German First Army that day
had entered Brussels : the main Belgian Army had retired into
Antwerp, and the enemy had approached within range of
Namur.
When " reveille " sounded on the morning of 21st August,
there was a heavy ground mist, foreshadowing a warm day.
Very early the cavalry moved northwards towards Villers-St.
Ghislain, south-east of Mons. The II. Corps followed to the
line west of the fortress of Maubeuge, the 3rd Division on the
right to the line Bettignies-Feignies-La Longueville, the 5th
Division on the left to the line Houdain-St. Waast-Gommegnies.
Arrived at their destination, the leading brigades of the 3rd
and 5th Divisions were ordered to throw out outposts. Orders
from 9th Infantry Brigade Headquarters to Colonel Smith (O.C.
1st Lincolnshire) stated : " You will find outposts to-day on the
general line of the Goegnies-Bray road from the Mons-Mau-
beuge railway to Riez de l'Erelle, both inclusive, connecting
with the outposts of the 8th and 13th Brigades respectively on
your flanks."
The Lincolnshire were given that portion of the outpost line
which lay upon the borders of and overlooked the battlefield of
Malplaquet, where, in September 1709, the 10th Foot (Lincoln-
shire) formed part of the force under Marlborough which beat
the French commanded by Marshals Villiers and Boufflers. It
was in the wood of Taisnieres that the " 10th " fiercely attacked
the Frenchmen and helped to win what Marlborough described
as a " very murdering battle."
At 4 a.m. on 22nd orders were issued from Brigade Head-
quarters to continue the march northwards. The 9th Brigade
MONS [AUG. 23RD, 1914
was to march to Frameries in the general move forward on Mons,
the 3rd Division having been ordered to occupy the area
Nimy-Ghlin-Frameries— Spiennes, and the 5th Division ^the
line of the Mons Canal from Jemappes westward to Bois de
Boussu.
But contact with the enemy had already been obtained for
at dawn officer patrols of the 4th Dragoon Guards, pushed out
from Obourg towards Soignies, had encountered a German
piquet on the road and had fired on it : this was the first shot
in the war fired by the British in France and Flanders. Later,
another small action took place between a troop of the same
regiment and German cavalry moving south along the road from
Soignies towards Mons. Finally, at 10 a.m., two squadrons of
the Scots Greys (5th Cavalry Brigade), holding the bridges over
the Samme at Binche and Peronnes, came into contact with a
German detachment of all arms. Consequent on the latter
engagement the 3rd Division took up a first outpost line from
Givry, north-west, to the outskirts of Mons, this line, during the
afternoon, being thrown forward through Villers-St. Ghislain,
St. Symphorien, the bridge at Obourg and the bridge at Lock 5
to Nimy : the 8 th Infantry Brigade was on the right of the line ;
the 9th Brigade on the left and the 7th Brigade in reserve five
miles in rear at Frameries and Ciply.
It was somewhere about 7 a.m. when the 1st Lincolnshire
set out along the Blaregnies-Frameries road, from Riefc de
TErelle. They had been about an hour on the way when the
Obelisk which marks the site of the Battle of Malplaquet came
into view and there were cheers from the ranks as the battalion
passed. At about 10 a.m., the Lincolnshire marched into
Frameries with the remainder of the column. Streets gaily
decorated with the flags of the allied nations, frantic shouts of
welcome from the populace, gifts of fruit and other eatables,
tobacco and cigarettes, matches and even handkerchiefs and
towels, greeted the long line of khaki troops as they entered and
marched through the town, for although originally the Brigade
had been ordered to halt in Frameries, the situation necessitated
the taking up of a line along the Mons— Conde" Canal from Nimy
to Mariette, both inclusive to the 9th Brigade.
The 4th Royal Fusiliers, 1st Royal Scots Fusiliers and the 1st
Northumberland Fusiliers (less two companies) accordingly
marched on and took over the line from Nimy to and includ-
ing Mariette 1 : 9th Brigade Headquarters, two companies
Northumberland Fusiliers, 1st Lincolnshire, Transport " B,"
23rd Brigade R.F.A., and ammunition column, however, moved
to Cuesmes, in reserve.
1 In that order from right to left.
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
The latter village was reached about noon and the troops were
drawn up in the Grand Place, where they remained, feted by the
inhabitants, until the evening, when they went into billets, 1 It
was in Cuesmes that Captain Ellison of the Lincolnshire fired
the first shot by the Regiment in the war, at a German aeroplane
which flew over the village.
The situation was now rapidly developing : during the after-
noon information was circulated in Brigade Orders that heavy
infantry columns of the enemy were reported advancing due south
on Mons, and the Cond6-Mons Canal was fixed as the line of
resistance. The outposts dug hard and established themselves,
but they were told that if attacked they would not be reinforced
from Cuesmes. The 4th Royal Fusiliers, if compelledto retire,
would do so to a position in rear of the Lincolnshire, who,
with the two companies of Northumberland Fusiliers not in the
front line, were to move out of Cuesmes and take up a position
on the Cuesmes— Mons road.
Aerial reconnaissance during the afternoon, in the direction
of Charleroi, resulted in the discovery that two German Corps
were attacking the Fifth French Army on the line of the Sambre,
and later G.H.Q. received the grave news that the French centre
had been driven back and had retired from five to ten miles south
of the river. The retirement of the French left the British on
the Mons Canal some nine miles ahead of the main French line.
In the evening, Sir John French held a conference at Le
Cateau, at the close of which he announced that owing to the
retreat of the Fifth French Army, the British offensive would not
take place. At about 1 1 p.m., a French staff officer brought a
request from General Lanrezac (commanding the Fifth French
Army) to Sir John, asking the latter to attack the flank of the
German columns which were pressing the Fifth French Army
back from the Sambre. Sir John could not accede, but agreed
to remain in his position on the canal for twenty-four hours.
The I. Corps was thereupon ordered to take over that portion
of the outpost line of the II. Corps which lay east of Mons,
and the 2nd Division began to move up at 3 a.m. on the 23rd
for that purpose, but was too late to relieve the II. Corps
before fighting began.
The night of the 22nd /23rd August passed quietly enough,
and in the morning the troops in Cuesmes were permitted to
walk about the town. It was Sunday morning and most of the
inhabitants were out in the streets fraternising with the troops,
or on their way to Mass. But these amenities were of short
1 A rather picturesque incident was afforded by a party of Nuns from the neighbouring
convent, who proffered and did many kindly services for the men and presented many
of them with small pieces of ribbon of the Belgian national colours for good luck.
8 »
MONS [AUG. 23RD, 1914
duration, for already at several points contact had been obtained
with the enemy, though the first encounters were with hostile
mounted patrols.
By 9 a.m. German infantry were advancing on the 4th
Middlesex (8th Brigade), west of the canal at Obourg, and
gradually hostile movement spread around the curve of the
salient from Obourg to Nimy. At the latter point the Germans
came on in massed formation and were shot down in dozens by
the 4th Royal Fusiliers. Both these battalions had received
orders to offer " a stubborn resistance," which they proceeded
to do right well, their machine-gun and rifle- fire taking heavy
toll of the enemy. As the southward wheel of von Kluck's
Army progressed the attack spread gradually westwards along
the canal towards Conde.
In Cuesmes fraternising with the civilians had given way to
action on the part of the troops in reserve. Mounted military
police had during the morning galloped through the streets
shouting " all troops back to billets," and ere long every man had
"fallen in" outside his billet fully equipped and ready to move
off.
The Lincolnshire, in accordance with orders, marched off
rapidly for a distance of three miles through cobbled streets along
the road to Mons. They took up their position astride a long
straight avenue which ran northwards to the centre of the town.
Here they set to work to build barricades. Four were erected
across the avenue at intervals of one hundred yards. Paving stones
were pulled up, trees sawn down and placed across the road and
with the help of piles of logs and iron piping lying by the road-
side, effective obstacles were erected. In this the Lincolnshire
were assisted by some civilians amongst whom was a girl who
worked like a Trojan.
The barricades were held by D Company, and the machine-
gunners. C Company, on the right, held the byways in an
enclosed area ; A Company dug trenches across some open
ground to the left which permitted a field of fire of about two
hundred yards : at this distance from their front a row of houses
to the north obstructed any further view. B Company was m
support. In these positions the 1st Lincolnshire awaited the
development of the German attack.
It is interesting to note how, as the southward wheel of von
Kluck's army progressed, the attack spread gradually westward
alone the line of the Canal. By 9 a.m. it was pressing on to
engage the Middlesex at Obourg ; at 10 a.m. from Obourg the
attack had spread to Nimy and gradually round the salient ; at
1 1 a.m. the Royal Scots Fusiliers at Jemappes, two miles west
of Mons, were engaged, and at Mariette, three and a half miles
9
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
west of Mons, the two companies of Northumberland Fusiliers,
well and skilfully disposed, had first brought to a standstill, and
then driven back, the Germans as they pressed on to the Canal.
But for the present only the noise of bursting shells, the
barking of machine-guns and the rattle of musketry reached the
Lincolnshire, though these significant sounds increased in volume
and drew nearer.
About noon, the Middlesex at Obourg, under heavy pressure,
began to fall back westwards, first through Bois d'Havre and
later to the northern slopes of Bois La Haut. At 2 p.m., the
Royal Fusiliers at Nimy had, under orders, retired on Mons,
and after reforming in the town, moved on again southwards to
Ciply, passing through the Lincolnshire, to whom- they gave
news of what had happened in the front line of the battle.
The Lincolnshire now prepared to meet the enemy. They
had not long to wait for presently German infantry swarmed
round the corner of a street into the avenue across which the
barricades had been erected. The order to fire was given im-
mediately and machine-gun and rifle bullets tore gaps in the ranks
of the enemy's troops, who fell back and took cover in the houses,
where they in turn opened fire upon the Lincolnshire. The
latter sustained a few casualties, but the Germans, exhausted after
a hard day's fighting, were in no mood to lose more men, and
turned westwards, leaving the barricades and the defenders
severely alone, to the disappointment of the latter, who had
eagerly anticipated their first fight.
About 3 p.m., the Royal Scots Fusiliers had fallen back
through Jemappes upon Frameries : followed between 4 p.m.
and 5 p.m. by the two companies of Northumberland Fusiliers
from Mariette.
In accordance with orders the centre of the line of the II.
Corps was in the process of withdrawing behind Mons when Sir
John French received grave news from the French Commander-
in-Chief : " About 5 p.m., I received a most unexpected message
from General JofFre by telegraph telling me that at least three
German Corps, viz., a Reserve Corps, 1 the IV. Corps and the
IX. Corps were moving on my position in front and that the
II. Corps was engaged in a turning movement from the
direction of Tournay. He also informed me that the two reserve
French divisions and the Fifth French Army on my right were
retiring, the Germans having on the previous day gained pos-
session of the passage of the Sambre between Charleroi and
Namur.'
Aerial reconnaissance having convinced Sir John of the danger
threatening his front and right flank, the British Commander-in-
1 The German HI. Corps.
10
MONS [AUG. Z3RD, 1914
Chief ordered a retirement at daybreak on the 24th to the
Maubeuge line.
In the meantime the Lincolnshire at 6 p.m. on the 23rd re-
ceived orders to withdraw from their positions on the Cuesmes-
Mons road, acting as rearguard to the pth Brigade, the latter
having been ordered to retire on Frameries.
The battalion marched off in a south-easterly direction to
Mesvin, and having passed through the 1st Wilts, pushed on
to Nouvelles, acting for a time in support of the 8 th Infantry
Brigade, the latter beating off a general attack between 7 and 8
p.m. Later, the Lincolnshire marched westward again through
Ciply to Frameries, where they took up a position in a large
orchard on a ridge overlooking the road from Jemappes and
Quaregnon. Here the men were soon busy with their entrench-
ing tools throwing up cover and providing overhead protection
in case of attack. By the time we got to our position in the
orchard, the men were tired, but the company officers and
n.c.o.s were indefatigable in their efforts to ensure that the
position was well and deeply dug, etc. : well that they were.
The importance of this was to be proved on the morrow.
The Battle of Mons was over, in the words of the Official
History of the war : " Altogether the British Commanders
were not ill satisfied with the day's work. The unsatisfactory
positions on the Canal had been imposed upon them
fortuitously, but they had been held for a sufficient time and
had been evacuated without great difficulty or disaster in favour
of a second position only a mile or two in the rear. The
men, too, were in high spirits, for they had met superior
numbers of the most highly renowned army in the world and
had given a good account of themselves." 1
Ill
THE RETREAT FROM MONS
The night of the 23rd /24th August passed without serious
disturbance of any kind from the enemy. At dawn on the 24th
the British Expeditionary Force occupied a line facing roughly
north-east, seventeen miles long, with the centre three miles
south of Mons. The intention of Sir John French " to make
a general retreat southwards of about eight miles " was com-
municated to the Commanders of the I. and II. Corps during
1 The British casualties on 23rd August number just over sixteen hundred all ranks,
killed, wounded and missing.
II
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
the small hours of the morning of the 24th. {Official History,
Vol. I, pp. 87-88 ; see also p. 90).
The 3rd Division lay as follows — from right to left — 8tH
Infantry Brigade at Nouvelles ; 7th at Ciply and the 9th at
Frameries. %
The 1 st Lincolnshire arriving at the railway bridge at Pram-
eries about 10 p.m., was ordered to take over the northern edge
of Frameries from another battalion of the Brigade. It was pitch
dark, and nothing was visible of the front. The companies
(three) took over the lines held by the other battalion in turn
FRAMERIES
and at once began improving them, with their entrenching imple-
ments as best they could. The orchard in which the Lincoln-
shire took up a position lay at the north-western extremity of
Frameries. The position was by no means ideal, but possessed
some good features, both for concealment and defence. Two
sides of the orchard were held, at right angles facing north and
west^ and a ditch along a paved road, in front of a factory built
of brick. _ There were huge mounds of slag in front of us,, as it
was a mining district. 1 A detached post in front of the line was
held by Lieutenant Buller and a platoon. It was in close contact
with the Germans. As soon as it was light the enemy opened
1 Much of the country south of the Mons-Cortde Canal is a mining district, and the
area for four or five miles to the west of the Mons-Frameries road is practically one large
unsightly village.
12
THE RETREAT [aug. 24.TH, 1914
with his artillery, probably about 4 a.m. The piquet came in,
and one of them reported that Lieutenant Buller was hit. The
shell-fire now became very heavy — shells bursting on the paved
road and destroying the factory behind it. It became so hot
in this ditch from the burning house that the men in it were
withdrawn to the orchard. B Company held the side of the
orchard at right angles to the front, and suffered many casualties
from enfilade fire as the German attack progressed. The
company, commanded by Captain Rose, " hung on with the
greatest determination and pluck, and stuck it out to the end."
{Lieut. -Colonel Smith.")
From the left of the orchard there was a steep slope downwards
towards the north-west for a distance of some six hundred yards
to a cornfield several acres in extent in which rows of wheat
stooks had been left. Small groups of Germans of from six to eight
men tried to advance by working from stook to stook ; but these
gave no protection against the well-sustained and accurate fire of
the Lincolnshire, and so terrible was the execution inflicted on the
enemy that, unable to make headway, he abandoned the attempt.
" It was undoubtedly the steady and accurate fire of the Lin-
colnshire which enabled them to maintain their position. The
Germans seemed quite nonplussed. They no doubt expected
to get close up to our position without serious loss and then rush
it. The enemy also probably exaggerated the effect of the in-
tense shell-fire, which our night-long preparations had seriously
discounted.
"' Whilst in action our machine-guns did great execution ; but
in such a cramped position it was inevitable that they should be
quickly located and knocked out. They were fought to the last
by Lieutenant Holmes, a most gallant and capable officer, whose
death was a very serious loss to the battalion. Private Stroulger
very gallantly drove his machine-gun limber close up to the
position and took away some of the wounded. He was later
awarded the D.C.M." {W.E.B. Smith.)
The South Lancashire who were acting as rearguard to the
7th Brigade (as the 1st Lincolnshire were to the 9th) were also
attacked ; but together the two battalions held up the advance
of the enemy, and covered the withdrawal of the two brigades to
Genly. Finally, after some three or four hours' fighting, the
enemy broke off the attack. The Lincolnshire, still acting as rear-
guard to the 9th Brigade, withdrew in a south-westerly direction.
The casualties of the 1st Lincolnshire on the 23rd and 24th
August numbered four officers and one hundred and thirty other
ranks. 1 It was impossible to evacuate the severely wounded,
1 Lieutenants L.M. Buller and E.H. Welchman were killed, Captain F.C. Rose was
wounded and Lieutenant C.C. Holmes wounded and died of wounds on 26th August, 1914.
13
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
and these, with practically all the stretcher-bearers, who gallantly
carried their wounded to the Convent in Frameries after the
battalion had withdrawn, fell into the hands of the enemy : only
the walking cases got away.
But this action was so greatly to the credit of the British
troops that it is worth while quoting from German extracts of the
fighting as given in the Official {Military) history of the war {Vol.
I, pp. 92-93). The attack on the Lincolnshire and South
Lancashire was made by a whole German division — the 6th of
the III. Corps.
The historian of the 24th (Brandenburg) Regiment states that
the assault was prepared by artillery fire : "A continuous stream
of gun and howitzer shells thundered out, hurtling over our heads
and bursting in smoke and dust on the edge of the village. No
human being could possibly live there. At 7 a.m., six companies
of the regiment 1 advanced to the attack. ... If we thought that
the English had been shelled enough to be storm-ripe we were
greatly mistaken. They met us with well-aimed fire." The
historian of the Regiment was with a reserve company and the
latter was sent forward. As it reached the firing line the men
shouted " Vorwarts 1 " expecting to carry the firing line with
them, but : " there were only dead and wounded to be seen.
Tommy seems to have waited for the moment of assault, and
when we were well into the open he turned his machine-gun on."
The Germans mistook the rapid fire of the British infantry
for machine-gun fire.
At last, when the enemy did enter Frameries, they found the
defenders had vanished : " Up to all the tricks of the trade from
their experience of small wars, the English veterans brilliantly
understood how to slip off at the last moment." The enemy's
casualties were exceptionally heavy, all German accounts agreeing
on this point.
With faces blackened by the smoke from bursting shells and
their own rifle-fire, utterly tired out but undaunted, the Lincoln-
shire retired from Frameries, taking the road towards Eugies,
Along dusty lanes, and in a fierce heat, the battalion fell back for
about three miles and then halted in a field under cover of a wood.
The transport, with the cook's cart carrying the day's rations
and the few provisions left over from the last issue of rations on
the previous morning, had gone ahead. The hungry troops were
given permission to eat their iron rations. The latter consisted
of one tin of " bully beef," eight biscuits, a piece of cheese and
a tin containing a small quantity of tea and sugar. To make
tea, however, was out of the question and water had to take its
place.
1 In 1914 a German infantry regiment consisted of three battalions.
FRAMERIES
[AUG. 24.TH, 1914
It was during this halt that the CO., Lieut.-Colonel Smith,
delivered to the battalion a message he had just received from
the Brigade Commander, in which the latter expressed his
appreciation of the splendid tenacity the Lincolnshire had dis-
FRAMERIES
Plan of the position occupied at Frameries by the 1st Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment
on the 33rd August, 1914. The ten crosses on the plan indicate the positions of the graves
of officers and other ranks identified by Captains Masters and Stapleton, on the 1st
December, 1918.
played in maintaining their position, and his pride in having
such a battalion in his brigade. .
For about an hour, unmolested by the enemy, the Lincolnshire
rested, and then, still acting as rearguard to the 9th Brigade,
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
resumed the march. In order to " march light," great coats
and packs were left behind : they had been terrible burdens in
the almost tropical heat. The Brigade was retiring on Sars-
Ia-Bruyere, via Eugies.
It was somewhere in the neighbourhood of 3 p.m. when the
3rd Division marched from the Genly-Sars-la-Bruyere position
for Bavai and to the villages to the south-west of that town.
The Lincolnshire, on resuming the march, passed through
Eugies, Sars-la-Bruyere and Bavai to Bermeries, nightfall finding
the battalion resting in a field near the village.
The Lincolnshire had marched roughly fourteen miles that
day — the 24th August — the first day of the Retreat : they had
had a stiff fight with the enemy, but dog-tired as they were, they
lay down in a deserted harvest field, with sheaves of oats un-
gathered about them, in the proud knowledge that they had done
their duty ; they had met the most highly-trained and renowned
troops in the world and had beaten them to a standstill : their
only troubles were want of sleep and food. More lucky than
some other units of the 3rd Division who, long after nightfall,
continued to pass the cross roads at Bavai to their allotted posi-
tions, the Lincolnshire had now the prospect of a few hours'
rest.
The ever-threatening outflanking movements of the enemy
convinced Sir John French that it was the enemy's intention to
hem the B.E.F. against the fortress of Maubeuge (as indeed it
was) and surround it. A continuation of the retirement to the
neighbourhood of Le Cateau was, therefore, ordered, the with-
drawal to begin early next morning. The II. Corps was to
fall back west of the For6t de Mormal to the Le Cateau-Caudry-
Haucourt line, but the I. Corps (owing to the position occupied
by the B.E.F.) was obliged to move east of the forest.
Before the sun had risen on the 25th the troops were again on
the move. The Lincolnshire set out at 4.30 a.m., in a south-
westerly direction, with Inchy (on the Le Cateau-Cambrai road)
as their destination. The route given to the 9th Brigade lay
through the villages of Gommegnies, Villereau, Le Quesnoy,
Neuville, Solesmes and Neuvilly : the 8 th Brigade was on the
right of the 9th and the 7th was acting as the rearguard of the
3rd Division : the 5th Division was on the left of the 3rd — the
Roman Road, running in a south-westerly direction along the
western edges of the ForSt de Mormal, having been allotted
to the Division for the retirement to the Le Cateau position.
Beyond the usual ten minutes' halt at the end of every hour,
the troops had little rest. As the sun rose higher in the skies
their discomfort increased. They had had no food and very
little water. When the periodical halt took place near a well
16
THE RETREAT [aug. 25TH, 19 14
there was a rush to fill water bottles, but only a few succeeded in
refilling before the time was up to move again.
Early in the day a German aeroplane — a Taube — appeared
above the Lincolnshire and immediate orders were issued to the
battalion to close in along the roadside and open rapid fire.
Like a wounded bird the Taube made off in a northerly direction,
but had not proceeded far when a British 'plane appeared and
gave chase. Intense excitement prevailed amongst the troops
as they saw the British machine mount higher and higher and
eventually get above the German. Then followed the sound of
rapid shots and the Taube turned south again flying directly over
the battalion but obviously coming down. It landed in a field
close to the Lincolnshire and its occupants, both badly wounded,
were made prisoners. The wings and fuselage of the machine
were riddled with rifle bullets and the Lincolnshire thus shared
with the British aviator the honour of being amongst the first
British troops to bring down a German aeroplane.
The heat at midday was sweltering. Those who felt it most
were the reservists, but the dusty roads were a trial to all.
Crowds of refugees, mostly women and children or aged men—
for all the young men had been called up to join the Armies of
France — carrying with them whatever of their worldly belong-
ings it was possible to get away, or trundling them along in
hand-carts or perambulators, obstructed the roads and had to
be side-tracked. Every conceivable kind of vehicle, farm carts,
wagons, dog-carts, even carriages filled with refugees fleeing
from the oncoming Germans, jostled each other in mad haste to
place distance between themselves and " Les Allemands."
Between 4 and 5 p.m. a heavy thunderstorm burst and in a
few minutes everyone was drenched to the skin. At last, about
6 p.m., Inchy was sighted and the hungry foot-sore troops
entered the village fit to drop. Billets were small and over-
crowded, but in some the men found washing and drinking
water : that at least was a God-send. No one, however, "was
permitted to undress, so that whatever rest was possible had to
be taken in wet clothes. The village was bare of food.
The distance marched by the 1st Lincolnshire on the 25th
August was between fifteen and twenty miles.
Under orders to continue the retreat at six o'clock the next
morning, those who were not detailed for outpost, guard, or
other duties, laid down to rest. About midnight, however, the
battalion was suddenly ordered to stand to arms. Two platoons
under Lieutenant Thruston were sent to reinforce the outpost
line. British mounted troops passing through Inchy gave the
Lincolnshire news that the 7th Brigade — the rearguard of the
3rd Division — and cavalry had been engaged at Solesmes, whilst
c T7
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
the I. Corps had also been attacked at Maroilles and Landrecies,
two villages on the south-eastern outskirts of the ForSt de
Mormal. The enemy was close upon the heels of the British
Expeditionary Force.
IV
THE BATTLE OF LE CATEAU : 26TH AUGUST, I9I4
The 1st Lincolnshire, as already stated, reached Inchy between
6 and 7 p.m. on the 25th, and other units of the 3rd Division
also reached their billets about that time. But the rearguards of
the Division were retiring to the Le Cateau position far into the
night, and when at 2 a.m. on the 26th the G.O.C. Division
(Hubert Hamilton) was asked by Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien " if
it was possible to get on the move during the hours of darkness,"
he replied that " many units of the Division were only just coming
in and that he did not think that he could get them formed up
for retreat before 9 a.m." {Official History, Vol. I.) General
Allenby also said his cavalry were much scattered and would be
unable to render much assistance in covering the retirement
next day. Sir Horace, therefore, reluctantly decided that he
must stand his ground and fight.
The Lincolnshire passed the night in crowded billets in the
village of Inchy. After many alarms the night passed and at
5 a.m. the battalion was formed up in the main street, and the
men were given a drink of tea and a piece of bread as they stood
in the ranks. Cavalry passed through. As soon as they had
gone the battalion marched out of the village and took up a line
to the south of it, " about halfway down an open slope about three
hundred metres from the village." 1 The Brigade Commander
promised to send the brigade tool carts, and the battalion com-
menced digging at once. The 1st Royal Scots Fusiliers were
on the right, and the 2nd Royal Scots of the 8th Brigade on the
left of the Lincolnshire. The village of Inchy lay in a dip and
from our trench the whole of the long open slopes north of the
village down which the Germans had to advance was visible.
Behind us and at the top of the slope were some of our guns well
entrenched and concealed.
The German artillery began firing about 6.30 a.m., not very
heavily at first. Their infantry came over the opposite sky line,
1 The description of the ground and the position taken up is from Colonel Toogood's
Diary. He was -wounded before the retirement took place, whilst observing the Germans
through his field glasses.
18
LE CATEAU [aug. 26th, 1914
and down the open slope in extended lines. Our guns opened
on them with some effect. By degrees the Germans got down
to the village and into it, where they were out of sight, until they
reappeared on the outskirts of the village nearest to us, when our
companies at once opened a heavy fire on them. A message
was received to the effect that our aeroplanes reported that no
great German forces were coming up. This news did not appear
to be correct as more and more lines of Germans came over the
skyline and down the slope, and established themselves in the
LE CATEAXT
village. They got their machine-guns to work as well as sharp-
shooters, who had apparently spotted our piece of trench, as
whenever a head was raised a bullet came past it. The trenches
were fairly good, but it was impossible to keep a good look-out
on the Germans, which was necessary lest they rushed us from
the village, without exposing oneself. The Germans were thick
along the edge of the village, and our guns frequently turned on
them, and set some buildings on fire.
The pressure of the German attack on the right of the II.
^orps, the 5th Division, had been so great that Sir Horace
omith-Dorrien instructed Sir Charles Fergusson, between 1 and
2 •°u C i 0ck> to nold his ground a tittle longer, but " to begin the
Withdrawal of the 5th Division as soon as he should think fit ;
after which the 3rd and 4th Divisions were to follow in succes-
sion ' (Official History, Vol /, p. 163.)
About 3 p.m., Brigadier-General Shaw observed that the
19
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
troops on his right were retreating, and about 3.30 p.m., received
orders to conform. " Pushing up the Royal Fusiliers from the
reserve to the north-western edge of Troisvilles, he brought away
nearly all his wounded, after which he withdrew in succession
the Northumberland Fusiliers and the Lincolnshire with very
trifling loss. The German skirmishers lining the southern edge
of Inchy tried hard to hinder the movement, but were silenced by
the advanced sections of the 107th and 108th Batteries. As the
last party of the Lincolnshire came abreast of the advanced section
of the 1 08th Battery the officer in command, having fired off
his last round of ammunition, disabled and abandoned his guns."
{Official History, Vol. I, p. 170.)
On the further side of the ridge, and at the southern base,
there was a sunken road in which the seriously wounded were
placed in safety. After crossing the sunken road and a railway
line, the retirement was continued across a beetroot field which,
owing to the rain of the previous night, was slippery, and clods
of clayey earth clung to the men's feet, making progress slow.
But fortunately the enemy failed to follow up the retiring troops,
and the latter, unmolested, plodded along, crossing fields and
ditches until well out of range of rifle-fire.
Eventually a road, crossing the line of retirement diagonally,
was reached, and here officers and n.c.o.s formed the men
into small parties and directed by Colonel Smith, marched them
to a rallying point at some cross-roads near Clary, where the
battalion was formed up without delay. Companies were,
however, still somewhat scattered. The majority of A and B
andabout half of D were present, but the majority of C Company
(which had held the right of the position at Inchy) had retired
through Troisvilles and did not rejoin until next day (27th).
Another party of D Company under Captain Ellison retired
through Bertry and, after passing through some Highlanders and
a battalion of the Middlesex Regiment, caught up with the main
body of the battalion later.
The casualties suffered by the battalion at Le Cateau were
Major C. Toogood wounded by a sniper and left in the trenches,
three other ranks killed, forty wounded and fifty missing, though
most of the latter rejoined later.
From Clary the 3rd Division— the 9th Infantry Brigade
acting as rearguard— moved on Beaurevoir. Not a German
followed, not even a cavalry patrol, not a shell was fired at the
brigade as it drew out of Clary. The enemy was wholly occupied
with the few remaining units 1 which had not received orders to
r,iJr ) w ?1 ?? a T of ™ Royal Irish ' some R °y al Scots and t&> g*»*« P" 4 of the IS ^
the 4S SsST Were ak0 Seaforths and K.O.YA.I. and some troops of
20
THE RETREAT RESUMED [Atro . 3 6th, i 9 i 4
retire in time to get away, and were selling their lives dearly :
but many officers and men did eventually break through.
Though a mere handful and scattered along a wide front— some
eight thousand yards — they nevertheless by their courage and
tenacity prevented the enemy from advancing for several hours :
the service they rendered to the II. Corps was invaluable.
V
THE RETREAT RESUMED
" 6 p.m. The Brigade (9th) marched to Clary, there being
no sign of the enemy, and Beaurevoir was reached. It was very
wet and the roads were bad and full of troops and transport of
THE RETREAT
all descriptions. Beaurevoir being completely blocked by the
3rd and 5th Divisions, the Brigade halted on the road at the
northern exits and remained there till 2 a.m., on the 27th, when
orders were received from Headquarters, 3rd Division, to pro-
ceed to Hargicourt, still acting as rearguard to the Division." 1
Whilst a handful of men was hampering the German advance,
the main body of General Smith-Dorrien's force was in full
1 Extract from Diary 9th Brigade Headquarters 26. 8. 14.
21
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
retreat. 1 The 5th and 3rd Divisions were a good deal inter-
mixed and at the cross-roads two miles beyond Estrees, the
sorting of the troops was taken in hand, " difficult enough on a
dark and dismal night." {Official History, Vol I, p. 191.)
Staff officers stood at the cross-roads shouting : " Transport
and mounted troops straight on : 3rd Division Infantry to the
right, 5th Division Infantry to the left," and as the men turned
they were again sorted out by battalions and brigades. It was
2 a.m., before the separation and reforming of the two divisions
was completed, and then (as stated in the extract at the head of
this chapter) orders were received by the 9th Brigade to march
on Hargicourt as rearguard to the Division.
The march to Beaurevoir and Estrees had been a trying one,
as the troops had held their trenches at Le Cateau throughout
the heat of that scorching day without food. Physically the
troops were nearly worn out, but morally their spirit was
unbroken.
When they reached the cross-roads just beyond Estrees they
had already marched fifteen miles from Le Cateau and now, at
4 a.m., they were ordered on again to Hargicourt.
" At daybreak they were still marching. The rain ceased
and as the sun rose in the heavens its rays became hotter and
hotter. No one kept count of time. No one bothered about
which villages were passed through. The only village that
mattered was the one in which the battalion would billet wherever
it might be, as there would then be a chance of getting some
sleep and perhaps some rations." (From Q.M.S. North's narrative
of the 1st Lincolnshire.)
Food indeed was wanted badly, and it was exasperating to
be told that rations would be issued in the " next village,"
when the " next " was like the to-morrow which never comes, 2
The 3rd Division reached Hargicourt at about 8 a.m. (27th)
and halted,, the Lincolnshire being rear battalion of the 9th
Brigade, which still acted as rearguard to the Division. But'
at^ 1 p.m., the march was resumed south to Villeret, about two
miles south-west of Bellicourt.
Here the Lincolnshire went into billets, but whatever dreams
the battalion might have had of food and rest were rudely dis-
sipated by sudden orders to turn out and take up a position to
cover the rear of the brigade.
A small party of German cavalry, accompanied by guns, had
succeeded m getting within range and fired a few shots into the
_ * The German Intelligence was very poor at this period. To begin with, von Kluck
imagined that at Le Cateau we held a north and south line, whereas it was from east to
west, and when we retired he thought we had done so in a westerly direction.
2 The Supply Columns had missed the 3rd Division and the latter was without rations
from the 25th to the afternoon of the 27th August.
22
THE RETREAT RESUMED [AUG . 28 th, i 9 i 4
village, but on the fire being returned the enemy quickly-
disappeared.
The position taken up by the Lincolnshire was on some
rising ground between Hargicourt and Villeret. Companies
were aligned in the following order from right to left: A, B, D, C.
After waiting in this position for an hour or more without
sighting the enemy, or any more shells being fired, the battalion
withdrew across beet fields, sodden with rain and thick in clinging
mud, then forming up on the road in column of route, marched
on Vermand, the destination of the 3rd Division.
At Villeret, C Company and a few odd men of other companies
under Major Grant rejoined the battalion after acting as rear-
guard, covering the retirement of a stream of stragglers from the
Le Cateau battlefield.
It was about 6 p.m. when the 9th Brigade marched into
Vermand, the Lincolnshire turning into the buildings of a large
farm where the men were able to obtain water for washing pur-
poses and refilling water bottles, and a few hours sleep. But
still no food, as supplies failed to reach the battalion. 1
At 9 p.m., Brigade Headquarters received orders to continue
the march at midnight on Ham, again acting as rearguard to the
Division, and the battalion was once more on the march.
At about 10 a.m., on the 28th, the Lincolnshire halted at
, Estouilly, on the northern outskirts of Ham. The battalion
then extended at right angles to the road along some undulating
ground. Here local inhabitants were working on the con-
struction of trenches as if a stand was to be made and Ham
defended. The work was taken over by the troops, but had to
be carried on with entrenching tools.
Supplies had been issued to the 3rd Division at Vermand at
4 P-m. on the previous afternoon, but no food seems to have
reached the Lincolnshire. From Estouilly, however, on the
28th a party was sent to Ham for the purpose of obtaining food
and although only one .tin of biscuits and a dozen small tins of
bully beef could be obtained, these were distributed amongst the
troops, each receiving a tiny morsel. But it was better than
nothing and seemed to give them fresh energy when a further
retirement was ordered about midday on Noyon. As the
Lincolnshire marched into Ham the town appeared to be de-
serted, but whatever hopes had been entertained of a rest in
billets were quickly dissipated as the battalion passed right
through without halting.
The march on the 2 8th August was the hardest of all. A fierce
sun beat down upon the troops as they trudged along the hot
The distance marched on 27th was approximately seventeen miles without counting
deployments.
a-3
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
roads. The battalion, as rearguard to the 9th Brigade, had a
very difficult task. C and D Companies were detached to take
up rearguard positions on either side of the road, forming a
screen behind the column, keeping in touch with the main body-
by alternate and successive retirements. .
The road between Ham and Noyon was practically straight
the whole way. It was lined with trees, but they offered very
little shelter from the sun. On this day straggling was more
noticeable. Many men fell out exhausted or suffering from
sore feet, so that they were unable to march further. In order
to provide vehicles in which to carry these poor fellows, stores
and ammunition were dumped by the roadside. {Official
History, Vol. I, p. 198.)
But there were others who did not apparently know what
fatigue was. Amongst these was Lance-Corporal Snelling, a
drummer who, on the long and weary stretch from Ham to
Guiscard (the latter being about halfway between Ham and
Noyon), continued to play enlivening airs such as " Tipperary,"
which had a wonderful effect in keeping the battalion going.
It was about 6.30 p.m. when the 9th Brigade reached Crissoles
(north of Noyon) practically " all out." The Lincolnshire
wheeled into a field, where they found their transport (it had not
been seen since Mons), parked with that belonging to other
units. B and C Companies billeted in farms and cottages ;
A Company bivouacked in a cornfield, and D, which was still
performing the duties of rearguard, marched in when it was
dark and also went into billets, leaving one platoon on outpost
duty.
Having found the battalion cooks and their wagons, little
time was lost in making tea, which all ranks had not tasted for
five days. By the time it was ready to be served darkness had
fallen. The men with their canteen tins formed up and filed
past their respective Company Quartermaster-Sergeants, who
ladled out the precious liquid. Alas !. in the darkness salt
instead of sugar had been put into the tea.
With the exception of those on outpost and inlying piquet,
the Lincolnshire enjoyed several hours sleep that night.
The next morning (the 29th) the battalion awoke greatly
refreshed and an excellent breakfast of tea, bully beef and biscuits
(supplies having arrived) produced a wonderful change in both
officers and men. They had marched twenty-seven miles on
the previous day — an astounding performance when it is remem-
bered that they had had practically nothing to eat.
The 2,9th August was a rest day, for orders issued on the
28 th stated that " it is the Field-Marshal Commander-in-Chiefs
intention that the Army should halt to-morrow (29th) to rest,
24
THE RETREAT RESUMED [AUG . 29TH , I9I4
but all formations must be south of the line Vendeuil (four miles
north of La Fere)— Jussy-Ham-Nesle, and will take steps for
local protection."
With the exception of a few minor adjustments (in the 4th
Division which moved to the area Bussy-Sermaize-Chevilly)
the morning of the 29th found the B.E.F. holding approximately
the following positions : the I. Corps was extended along the
northern edge of the forest of St. Gobain and Coucy from
Fressancourt to Amigny, the 5th Cavalry Brigade was at Sinceny :
the II. Corps (including the 4th Division and 19th Infantry
Brigade) from Freniches, through Genvry to Pontoise : 1st,
2nd and 3rd Cavalry Brigades — Berlan court, Flavy le Meldeux-
Le Plessis, and Jussy respectively, and the 4th Cavalry Brigade
three miles south of Nesle, at Cressy.
There was still a gap of about eleven miles between the I.
and II. Corps, but they were gradually closing in. From all
accounts, German Headquarters regarded the British Expedi-
tionary Force as beaten beyond hope of speedy recovery, and
were energetically extending their enveloping movement west-
wards. Indeed, German General Headquarters at this period
were extraordinarily optimistic.
The 29th August, however, was not passed by the 9 th Brigade
wholly undisturbed. In the morning the Lincolnshire for the
first time since leaving Mons had an opportunity for cleaning
up.
At dawn the cooks with Line " B " Transport departed,
leaving the troops to do their own cooking. Noon was approach-
ing and the dinner hour not far off, when heavy gun-fire caused
Jta battalion to be suddenly ordered to fall in. Without
hesitation the pots containing the stews were lifted from the
fires and carried on parade.
The 2nd Cavalry Brigade was engaged with a force of Germans
of all arms advancing from the direction of Ham. To support
the cavalry the 9th Brigade was ordered to take up a position
three miles north of Noyon, astride the Ham-Guiscard road.
-Lhe Lincolnshire were in support of the Northumberland and
Koyal Fusiliers, and as the battalion marched back along the
road for two miles, the stews were passed round to their owners
and eaten on the march.
After awhile the two rear battalions, Royal Fusiliers and
Northumberland Fusiliers, passed through the Lincolnshire,
leaving the latter as rearguard. At dusk C and D Companies
Were withdrawn, A and B establishing a line of outposts. About
1 a.m. on the 30th the battalion was ordered to withdraw as
quietly and quickly as possible through Noyon, It was 2 a.m.
oerore the outposts (with the exception of a patrol under
25
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
Captain Ellison) were withdrawn. The retirement was then
continued. 1
Dawn was breaking as the Lincolnshire, skirting the eastern
exits of Noyon, struck the straight road between that village and
Cuts. The battalion passed through St. Blaise and a little
beyond, crossed the bridge over the Oise Canal, which had
already been prepared for demolition by the Royal Engineers.
One minute after the rearguard was clear of the bridge the
latter " went up." A little further on the bridge over the Oise
River was demolished in a similar manner, whilst the battalion
was having its first ten minutes halt in Pontoise.
Some anxiety was felt regarding Captain Ellison and his
patrol, which had not jet rejoined, but they had been guarding
the bridges at Varennes until the latter were demolished and
marched in some hours later.
At about 4.30 a.m., the Lincolnshire reached Cuts, where
Divisional Headquarters and the remainder of the 9th Brigade
were billeted. The Brigade Column was already formed up
ready to move off when the battalion reached Cuts. The latter,
therefore, joined the column, which, at 5 a.m., set out southwards
in the direction of Berny Riviere.
The day's march lay through some of the fairest country in
France. The fierce rays of the sun beat down upon the fields
of golden corn, upon orchards heavy with fruit which would
never be gathered save by the hands of the invader. The troops
passed through tiny villages nestling amidst shady valleys or
perched upon the brows of hills. But the roads were hot and
dusty and the " tramp, tramp, tramp " of marching men
smothered the singing of the birds, and the rumbling of gun
carriages and transport was not unlike the roar of traffic in a
London street. Footsore and exhausted men were compelled
to drop out and rest by the roadside until they were either picked
up or had sufficiently recovered to join in the stream of stragglers
which followed ever in the wake of the column.
Close to the village of Morsain, between 1 1 a.m. and noon,
the column halted for further orders. During this halt the
battalion was met by supply wagons from which rations were
issued. A meal was then taken, followed by a short rest before
the march was resumed at 2.45 p.m.
About 6 p.m. the battalion crossed the bridge over the Aisne
river at Vic-sur-Aisne and two hours later reached Ressons,
where officers and men were billeted in cottages. The distance
marched on 30th August was about twenty-five miles, but when the
roll was called at night it was found that all stragglers had rejoined.
1 At 6 p.m. on the 29th the 3rd Division set out on the road to Cuts, the 5th
Division to Carlepont and the 4th Division to the north of Carlepout
26
THE RETREAT RESUMED [ SEPT . isr, , 9 i 4
Another march of fifteen miles on the 31st brought the Lin-
colnshire to the hamlet of Vauciennes, south-west of Villers
Cotterets. The pressure of the enemy had relaxed considerably
and the day's march was the most comfortable experienced for
a week, the men having recovered marvellously from the hard
gruelling of the previous days. Vauciennes was, however,
crowded with troops, and the battalion bivouacked for the night
on some open ground by the roadside west of the village.
Reveille on 1 st September was at 4 a.m., when the whole of
the 9th Brigade " stood to " awaiting orders. The latter were
issued at 5.30 a.m. — the 3rd Division was to march to the
Villers St. Genest-Bregy area.
At 9.30 a.m., the Lincolnshire set out from Vauciennes and
had been on the road about two hours when a halt was called
a mile from Gondreville. Firing was heard in rear and on
the right flank in the direction of Crepy-en-Valois. {Official
History^ Vol. Z, p. 240.) At the latter place the outpost
line of the 5th Division had been attacked at 6 a.m. by troops
of Marwitz's Cavalry Corps. By noon the action was over, and
at 2 p.m., the brigade resumed its march, the Lincolnshire
reaching Bouillancy at 7 p.m., when they went into billets with
other units of the 9th Brigade. The 3rd Division that night
occupied the line Villers St. Genest-Bouillancy-Chevreville.
On the 2nd September the 3rd Division continued its march
by Bregy and Douay to the Ivernay-Monthyon area. The
Lincolnshire, setting out at 4.30 a.m., acted as rearguard of
the 9th Brigade. The march was monotonous, but billets in
Penchard were reached soon after midday : for once the day's
march was over early and everyone settled down in comfort to
a good night's rest.
Orders issued at 9.15 p.m. from 3rd Divisional Headquarters
on the 2nd stated that on the 3rd the Division was to march
in a south-easterly direction and take up a position east of the
Foret de Mans in conjunction with the remainder of the Army.
The 3rd Division was to march by the Penchard-Meaux-
Boutingy road.
Again, on the 3rd, the Lincolnshire reached their billets early.
Marching at 4.15 a.m., they took the Meaux road, and having
marched ten miles, halted from n a.m. to 12 noon, and con-
tinuing the march arrived at a farm situated between Vaucourtois
and Maison Blanche, during the early afternoon. The weather
Was still very hot, but the roads were good, though everyone was
tired when their destination was reached.
Having " stood to " during the morning of the 4th ready to
move off at short notice, it was 1 p.m. before the Lincolnshire
marched off. After about a mile the battalion halted in a field
27
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
near La Haute Maison, as that morning, at about 12 noon, a
squadron of German cavalry had gained contact with the 3rd
Divisional Mounted Troops attached to the 9th Infantry Brigade
for outpost duty. Three or four of these Germans were wounded.
Orders were issued to all units of the Brigade as to the positions
to be taken up should an attack develop.
At 8 p.m., the battalion marched off to another field near
La Consuite and again " stood by " in case an attack developed.
The retirement continued through the night to the area Liverdy-
Chatres-Le Mesnil, a long monotonous march passing through
the town and forest of Crecy. Daylight on the 5th found the
Lincolnshire marching along the edge of a beautiful park at
Chatres 1 and at 7.15 a.m. they arrived at Liverdy, where they
billeted. They had marched sixteen miles during the night of
4th /5th September and ten miles on the 4th, and when the
battalion reached Liverdy all ranks were tired out. But there,
troubles were so far ended — the great retreat was at an end,
though it was late in the day before the news reached the
battalion. In the meantime, after a few hours' sleep, all ranks
set to work to remove the visible signs of that now historic
fortnight of marching and fighting, to and from Mons to the
Marne. Blistered and sore feet were attended to, uniforms were
repaired, and the dust shaken from them, stubbly beards dis-
appeared, and the battalion once more assumed its wonted
smartness.
Late that night, when the troops were told they were to advance
on the morrow they could hardly believe it, but the deafening
cheers which greeted the announcement left no doubt that the
British soldier was himself again and that he had come through
the ordeal of that great retreat still stout of heart and full of fight.
From the 20th August, on which date the move up to Mons
had begun, to the 5th September — sixteen days — the 3rd
Division had marched no less than two hundred and thirty-seven
miles and had fought two big battles.
" The Retreat from Mons was in every way honourable
to the Army. The troops suffered under every disadvantage.
The number of reservists in the ranks was on an average
over one-half of the full strength and the units were,
owing to the force of circumstances, hurried away to the area of
concentration before all ranks could resume acquaintance with
their officers and comrades, and re-learn their business as soldiers.
Arrived there, they were hastened forward by forced marches
1 The German outposts on the 5th September -were south of the Grand Morin, the
nearest about five miles from Chatres. On the same date the French Sixth Army had
commenced attack on von Kluck's right at Penchard, where the Lincolnshire halted
on the 2nd.
28
THE MARNE [SEPT . 7TH , i 9 i 4
to the battle, confronted with greatly superior numbers of the
most renowned army in Europe — condemned at the very outset
to undergo the severest ordeal which can be imposed upon an
army. They were short of food and sleep when they began their
retreat, they continued it always short of food and sleep for
thirteen days, as has been told ; and at the end they were still
an army, and a formidable army. They were never demoralized,
for they rightly judged they had never been beaten." {Official
History, Vol, I, p. 260.)
VI
THE BATTLE OF THE MARNE : 7TH-IOTH SEPTEMBER, 1914
The order to the British Expeditionary Force to advance,
referred to, at the end of the last chapter was consequent on the
decision of the French Commander-in-Chief General JofFre :
" The moment for which General JofFre had waited was come at
last. Von Kluck in his headlong rush eastwards had, it appeared,
ignored not only the fortress of Paris, but the Sixth (French)
Army, which, with the British, was now in position ... to fall
in strength on his right flank and rear." ( Official History,
Vol I, p. 2 $9.)
At 6 a.m. the Lincolnshire fell in. Everyone was in a cheerful
mood, for the advance was about to begin, and a little later the
battalion moved along the dusty roads with a hot sun beating
down upon the lines of marching men. At about 9.30 a.m. a
halt was called in an apple orchard at La Houssaye Farm, the
trees screening the troops from the enemy's aeroplanes, which
were busy observing. At 1.45 p.m. the march was resumed.
After numerous halts during the afternoon the Lincolnshire
arrived at the Chateau de Lumigny and were billeted in the sur-
rounding farm buildings. That night the head of the 3rd
Division reached Faremoutiers, whence the 1st Wiltshire, 7th
Brigade, forced the passage of the Grand Morin about 1 r p.m.,
and seized the heights of Le Chamois, about a mile north of the
river. (Official History, Vol. /, jp. 27 5.)
With the exception of a Special Order of the Day, 1 issued at
7 p.m., no orders were issued for the 7th September, only a
1 Special Order of the Day, 6th September, 1 9 14.
" After a most trying series of operations mostly in retirement, which have been rendered
necessary for the general strategic plan of the Allied Armies, the British Forces stand to-day
formed in line with their French comrades, ready to attack the enemy.
" Foiled in their attempt to invest Paris, the Germans have been driven to move in an
easterly and south-easterly direction with the apparent intention of falling in strength on
the Fifth French Army. In this operation they are exposing their right flank and their
29
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
warning that all troops should be ready to move at short notice
after 8 p.m. Thus ended the first day of the advance.
On the 7th September the advance was resumed in a north-
easterly direction. The Lincolnshire paraded at 6 a.m., and
being in support to the remainder of the Brigade, were ordered
to " stand by " until 12.30 p.m. On all sides there were signs
of the demoralization of the enemy. Empty wine bottles were
everywhere, and the inhabitants reported much drunkenness
amongst the German soldiery. The 3rd Division had been
ordered to march on Chauffry. As the column passed Coulom-
miers station, second reinforcements for the Lincolnshire joined
the battalion. That night the battalion billeted in La Breton-
niere in a factory and neighbouring houses.
On the night of the 7th the British Expeditionary Force
reached the line of the Grand Morin, roughly from Jouy to Crecy.
On the 8th September, the 9th Brigade was again in reserve.
At 6 a.m., the Lincolnshire left La Bretonniere, and at 11.30
a.m., halted in a small village named Gibraltar, north of Rebais,
where they took up a position overlooking the valley of the Petit
Morin. Between the Grand and Petit Morin rivers the country
was hilly and thickly wooded : the valley of the latter river being
also well wooded and with steep slopes. The 9th Brigade halted
whilst the 7th and 8 th Brigades cleared the enemy from the many
hidden positions the valley afforded.
At 4.45 p.m., the valley was reported clear of the enemy, and
the advance continued. The Lincolnshire crossed the Petit
Morin at Orly, and the enemy fired a parting shell, which fell
some fifty yards from the battalion, doing no damage.
At Orly the 9th Brigade moved to act as advance guard to
the Division. The column climbed the slopes and continued its
march almost due north. It reached Les Feucheres as darkness
fell. Here, with the exception of the Lincolnshire, the 9th
Brigade billeted. The former were detailed to form the outposts
and companies were posted in the following positions westwards
from the village of Villare : D Company on the right, C in the
centre, and A on the left, B Company was in reserve with
Battalion Headquarters in Les Feucheres. Patrols searched the
woods which screened the crossings over the River Marne.
D Company's patrols located the enemy at about eight hundred
yards on their left front, but no shots were fired.
line _ of communication to an attack from the combined Sixth French Army and the
British Forces.
"I call upon the British Army in France to now show the enemy its power and to' push
in vigorously to the attack beside the Sixth French Army. I am sure I shall not call upon
them in vain but that, on the contrary, by another manifestation of the magnificent spirit
they have shown in the past fortnight, they will fall on the enemy's flank with all their
strength and, in unison with their Allies, drive them back."
3°
BATTERY CAPTURED [sept. 9 th, x 9 r 4
The 3rd Division crossed the Marne at Nanteuil, the 5th
Division at Saacy, about a mile to the south-west. Before 9 a.m.,
the vanguards of both Divisions had established themselves on
the heights of the northern bank. The 9th Brigade which,
formed the advance guard of the 3rd Division, advanced without
difficulty, and by 10.30 a.m., Brigadier General Shaw had estab-
lished his headquarters at Bezu. 1 But the advance guard of the
5th Division was opposed by heavy shell-fire from concealed
batteries at various points.
Whilst the 1st Lincolnshire was halted in a field near Bezu,
Lieut.-Colonel Smith, commanding the battalion, received a
message from the Brigade, informing him that " a German
battery was doing serious damage by shelling our column ap-
proaching the Marne," and telling him to try and capture it.
The country north of the Marne is very hilly and wooded. In
fact, the 14th Brigade of the 5th Division, " was swallowed up by
the woods for more than an hour." {Official History ', Vol. I,
pp. 289, 290.)
Lieut.-Colonel Smith, with two companies, C and D, worked
through the woods west of Bezu, crept up to within one hundred
and fifty yards of the guns and shot down the German gunners,
and their escort, almost to a man. Dashing out of the thicket
to secure the guns, however, they were fired upon by the 65th
(Howitzer) Battery, and compelled again to seek cover with a loss
of four officers and some thirty men killed or wounded. 2 This
unfortunate mistake arose from the 65th Battery believing that
the German battery had been silenced by some other British
artillery and that the men of the Lincolnshire were German
gunners returning to their abandoned guns.
The guns were removed by the 5th Divisional Ammunition
Column next morning and removed to Coulommiers, whence
they were despatched to England. One of the guns was for-
merly to be seen at the Royal United Service Institution, but
Was removed to the depot of the Regiment at Lincoln in 1928.
The following is from a verbal description given to a friend
by Captain Hoskyns, who commanded D Company. He was
of exceptionally fine physique and a born leader of men. During
the retreat from Mons he lost his forage cap and replaced it by
a straw hat obtained in a French village, which made him very
conspicuous. Captain Hoskyns was killed in action on the 25th
September, 19 13".
1 The British Expeditionary Force was now between the Marne, from La Ferte-sous-
Jouarre to Chateau Thierry, and the left of von Kluck's army. The French Sixth
Army was pressing its attack on von Kluck west of the River Ourcq.
2 Captain and Adjutant Drake was killed. Captains Ellison, Hoskyns and Lieutenant
Thruston wounded.
3*
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
" ' Never have I had such big gun hunting. ■ We first started
in file, not knowing if Germans were in the wood or not — we
never knew when machine-guns would open on us unawares as
we crossed the many side tracks in the wood. At last, after
some time, we came to a broad ride and felt that here at least the
Bosche must surely have someone, as the reports of his guns
seemed quite close. A minute's anxiety as we pushed a few men
across at intervals, and as no horrid " phut, phut " came, I got
my Company over and formed them into line, C Company doing
the same on my right, to beat through the wood. I went ahead
with my Sub, Thruston — and as we got near to the further edge
we went warily and silently, followed by our men, who had
thoroughly entered into the spirit of our hunt. As Thruston
and I got near to the edge we distinctly saw the German artillery
in line, firing at right angles to our advance on their left, and
nearest gun about one hundred and fifty yards from the wood,
and to our horror, we also saw a few yards off a Bosche sentry
looking in our direction. We stopped dead for what seemed an
age, and then to our relief, he turned away and walked slowly off.
Suddenly, however, he stopped again, and we saw that he thought
all was not well as he looked in our direction. I now felt that
the game was up and called to Thruston, who was carrying a
rifle to ' down him.' No sooner said than the Bosche was shot
and our men, who were level with us, opened fire on the German
gunners : these, taken entirely by surprise, tried to turn their
guns round on us, but long before this was done we had shot
them down.' " This gallant little exploit cost the enemy a
battery of field guns and a heavy casualty list.
After being shelled by the 5th Divisional Artillery, the Lin-
colnshire fell back through the wood and subsequently marched
northwards for about three miles.
At nightfall on the 9th September the line of the British
Expeditionary Force extended from Chateau Thierry (exclusive)
through Bezu and La Ferte-sous-Jouarre to Jouarre. The head
of the 3rd Division (9th Brigade) remained with its head on the
Chateau Thierry-Montreuil road from the morning onwards, as
neither the I. Corps on its right nor the 5th Division on its left
were coming up in line with it.
As the First German Army appeared to be retreating in a
north-easterly direction across the front of the British Expedi-
tionary Force, Sir John French had hopes of intercepting it. At
8.15 p.m. on the 9th, therefore, the British Commander-in-Chief
issued orders for the pursuit to be continued at < a.m., on the
10th. J
The 9th Infantry Brigade, and 107th Battery, still the advance
guard of the 3rd Division, crossed the River Clignon at Neuilly,
32
ADVANCE TO THE AISNE sept, izth, i 9 i 4
striking in between the 6th Infantry Brigade, the advance guard
of the 2nd Division on its right and Gough's Cavalry on its left,
while the former was attacking from Hautavesnes a German
convoy and its escort moving on the Chezy road, which resulted
in the surrender of the survivors of the German force of about
five hundred. The 9th Brigade took another six hundred
prisoners, in which all divisions of von der Marwitz cavalry corps
were represented. The 1st Lincolnshire were in support, search-
ing the villages and surrounding fields and woods for stray
Germans.
They reached billets at Dammard at about 6 p.m. Here the
9 th Brigade gradually assembled after a satisfactory day's work.
The advance on 1 oth September was about ten miles and in the
evening the four divisions of the I. and II. Corps were astride
the River Allan d, the III. Corps at Vaux-sous-Colombs and
southwards through Colombs to Chaton.
On the nth the pursuit inclined north-east, the British
Expeditionary Force between the boundaries Fere-en-Tardenois-
Bazouches on the right and La Fertemilon-Longpont-Soissons
on the left.
The Lincolnshire left Dammard at 6 a.m., the 9th Brigade again
marching at the head of the 3rd Division. Grand Rozoy was
reached about midday, when the Brigade went into billets. The
distance marched was roughly twelve miles, and at nightfall the
2nd, 3rd and 5th Divisions (the heads of which were at Beugneux,
Grand Rozoy and Hartennes respectively) had crossed the Ourcq,
the 1st and 4th Divisions echeloned back on the right and left
flanks. Cavalry were in front of the British Expeditionary
Force, five miles from the Vesle River.
G.H.Q. orders for the 12th were to continue the pursuit, to
seize the crossing places over the Aisne, and secure the high
ground north of the river. " The day was dark, with torrents
of rain, which turned the roads into seas of mud," (Official
History.)
The 9th Infantry Brigade was again detailed as advanced
guard of the 3rd Division, and the 1st Lincolnshire formed the
vanguard.
The battalion paraded at 5 a.m., and marched to a plateau
overlooking the valley of the Vesle. The cavalry had already
gone ahead to clear the front of the Division. As the Lincoln-
shire reached the high ground a wonderful view opened out
before them. It is thus described by Q.M.S. North : " The
nature of the country was now entirely changed. The troops
beheld before them a beautiful stretch of wooded country dotted
with towns and villages and enriched with orchards and vine-
yards. In the west, just beyond where two villages ran into
n 33
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
each other, the high buildings of Soissons were visible amongst
the trees, and straight in front, beyond the valley was a chain of
picturesque hills at the foot of which ran the River Aisne. The
whole landscape had the appearance of a vast richly-wooded park.
British cavalry had gone ahead to reconnoitre the valley and a
body of them was held up in the town of Braisne. Troops of
various arms of the Service were assembled along the roads on die
plateau including cavalry, artillery, infantry and bridging trains,
and the Lincolnshire passed through them to the left of the valley
and halted in pouring rain," Heavy rain had not only fallen
when the advance began on the 12th, but on the nth the
troops had been drenched through as they pushed on in pursuit
of the enemy.
At 10 a.m. 9th Brigade Headquarters received a message
from General Allenby stating that his cavalry had secured the
bridge at Braisne and found it intact, but the enemy was still
holding the outskirts of the town. The Lincolnshire were
therefore ordered to move to the right of the town and take the
railway bridge half a mile to the east, then sweep north while the
1 st Northumberland Fusiliers crossed the road bridge and moved
round west of the town.
Scouts and an advanced party from A Company of the
Lincolnshire were sent forward to carry out the movement.
Having searched the gardens and woods to the north of the road,
the scouts joined the advanced party at the entrance of Braisne
and reported all approaches clear of the enemy. The battalion
then advanced and passing a barricade which had been erected
by the enemy, entered the thickly-wooded grounds of the
chateau on the right of the road. The chateau was thought to
be full of Germans, but only two French liaison officers (who were
first taken prisoner by two of the Lincolnshire who had not
recognised the French uniform and were then released, having
narrowly escaped being shot) were found in the chateau. Com-
panies finally assembled in the main street.
Every street in the town was searched and a few wounded
Germans as well as a German machine gun and ammunition
limber with horse were taken by the battalion 1 : also a German
medical ofHcer and a few wounded Germans were found in a
quarry : these were also made prisoner.
The Lincolnshire then, in extended order, advanced beyond
Braisne for a few miles and came to a large wood south-west of
Brenelle, in which a few more prisoners were taken. Rain was
still falling heavily while the battalion was rallying after searching
the wood. All ranks then had to wait, drenched to the skin,
1 This ammunition limber and horses were used by the Battalion as a mess cart for
a long while and is now at Lincoln, at the depot.
34
THE AISNE [sept, izth, 1914
until outposts had been established by one of the other units of
the Brigade. They then marched off to billets in Brenelle, tired
and worn out. There was little rest at night, for both officers
and men were trying to dry their wet clothes. Supplies had not
reached the Brigade, so the men were given permission to eat
their iron rations.
Nightfall on the 12th found the British Expeditionary Force
across the Vesle and close to the River Aisne. But "when
darkness fell on the 12th September not a single bridge over the
Aisne was in British hands."
Whether the enemy intended holding the northern bank of
the Aisne, thus preventing the further Allied advance, remained
to be seen.
VII
THE BATTLE OF THE AISNE, 1 9 1 4
Operation Orders issued from General Headquarters on the
evening of the 1 2th were to the effect that on the 1 3th the heads
of the three British Corps would advance to the line, about five
miles beyond the Aisne, Lierval-Chavignon. The objective of
the British Army was the plateau between the valleys of the
Aisne and Ailette rivers, traversed by the Chemin des Dames.
The II. Corps with Gough's cavalry was to cross the Aisne
at Vailly, Conde* and Missy.
" The river (Aisne), winding and sluggish except when in
flood and some 200 feet wide, is unfordable ; it runs through a
valley which has steep sides covered with patches of wood, but
with a gently sloping or level bottom from a mile to two miles
in breadth and over three hundred feet below the level of the
plateau through which the course of the stream has been cut."
{Official History, Vol. I> p. 3 1*8.)
Orders from 3rd Divisional Headquarters were received by
the 9th Brigade at 5.15 a.m. on the 13th. The Division was
to move on Chassemy with the 8th Brigade as advance guard :
the 9th Brigade was to secure the high ground between Brenelle
and Chassemy until the former Brigade had made good the latter
village, when the 9 th Brigade was to follow. Further move-
ments of the Division depended on the condition of the bridges
over the Aisne. Later orders stated that the 9th Brigade was
to cover the 8th Brigade from the ridge north-east of Chassemy
as it crossed the river.
35
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
The morning of the 13th was still wet when the Lincolnshire
paraded at 8 a.m., and shortly afterwards moved off with the
Brigade. The advance to the Chassemy Ridge was difficult, for
the enemy's long range howitzers, firing from the heights north-
east of Vailly, had the range to perfection. But the ridge was
occupied, the infantry battalions of the 9th Brigade sheltering
in a road which ran east to west on the southern side. Here
they waited for several hours. The 8th Brigade was checked
about one and a half miles from the river by the fire of the
German howitzers and could progress no further. The road
bridge over the river at Vailly was broken, though the gap was
spanned by a single plank which the enemy had omitted to
remove after he had crossed ; the light railway bridge above
Vailly had been destroyed.
" In every case the road bridges over the river were found to
have been destroyed, but not those over the canal which lies to
the south of it." {Official History, Vol, /, p. 32,7.)
About midday, the G.O.C., 3rd Division, Major-General
Hubert Hamilton, made a personal reconnaissance of the bridges
at Vailly and at 1 p.m. ordered the 8 th Brigade to advance.
Although heavily shelled the Brigade dribbled men across the
single plank, and by 4 p.m. the Royal Scots were in Vauxelles
Chateau (one mile north-west of Vailly) and on the high ground
north-west of it ; the remainder of the Brigade was in support
at St. Pierre (just west of Vailly).
The 9th Brigade did not begin to cross the river until darkness
had fallen : it was near midnight before the Lincolnshire began
their hazardous crossing. The advance was by sections, each
section crossing first the bridge over the canal and then over the
single plank spanning the gap in the broken bridge over the
river in single file. A single false step to right or left would
have meant certain death from drowning. Every now and then
a bursting shell would throw the weird scene into prominence,
but not a single man was hit, neither did anyone fall into the
river. Progress was very slow, but once across the men had to
double several hundred yards to where the battalion was' forming
up in column of route facing west. When the last man had
joined, the battalion marched off through the town of Vailly at
a rapid pace and wheeled to the right up a narrow lane and then
across a large tract of cultivated land on to a high ridge to the
south-west of Rouge Maison Farm. On the top of the ridge
the 4th Royal Fusiliers had established themselves, and D, B
and A Companies of the Lincolnshire prolonged the line to the
right in that order ; C Company formed a second line in echelon
on the right.
With their entrenching tools, supplemented by about forty
36
Irlii, AISNE [sept, 14.TH, 1914
picks and shovels 1 the Battalion set to work to dig trenches. In
pitch darkness and with rain falling steadily, patrols were sent
out to the front from D and B Companies : A Company sending
one to reconnoitre Rouge Maison Farm, another from C en-
deavouring to gain touch with 2nd Division troops on the right.
The ground in front of the battalion was fairly flat for about
three hundred yards, when it dipped. Across the plateau and
parallel with the trenches of the Lincolnshire was a road lined
with telegraph poles which proved excellent range marks for the
enemy's guns, which opened soon after daylight on the 14th.
" Thus before dawn on the 14th a footing, albeit precarious,
had been gained on the north bank of the Aisne at several points."
{Official History -, Vol. I^p. 334.)
Patrols from the battalion reported the enemy holding an
outpost line at a point where the ground dipped, but Rouge
Maison Farm was not occupied. The German infantry then
attacked the Royal Fusiliers, the attack spreading gradually
along the line. Soon the Lincolnshire were firing rapidly at the
advancing enemy's troops, but many rifles were clogged with
mud and rapid fire was difficult. Hostile machine-gun and rifle
fire was heavy and from the right, firing from behind a wood,
the enemy's artillery shelled the battalion in enfilade. C Com-
pany's patrol which had gone to gain touch with the 2nd
Division returned with the information that the latter could not
be found, the intervening wood being full of Germans. At
nightfall on the 13 th there had been a gap of five miles
between the left of the 2nd Division and the right of the 9th
Infantry Brigade (Lincolnshire), which on the morning of the
14th had not apparently been filled. 2 (Official History, VoL /,
PP- 335 and 349-)
Throughout the morning of the 14th the enemy continued the
attack, wave after wave advancing against the Lincolnshire and
troops on the left of the battalion. But all these attacks were
broken up and very heavy casualties must have been suffered by
the Germans. Compelled to remain on the southern bank of
the Aisne until bridges across could be constructed, the British
artillery could render very little support to the hard-pressed
infantry. The Royal Fusiliers appealed to the Lincolnshire for
support and D and B Companies of the latter made a spirited
counter-attack which drove the enemy back to his starting point.
The casualties of these two companies were heavy, including the
1 Lieutenant Cave-Orme, with a platoon from A Company, fetched as many picks and
shovels as his men could carry from the battalion transport, -which could not cross the
river, returning to the battalion soon after midnight I3th-X4th.
2 The left of the and Division, at about 2 p.m. on the 14th, extended frorn La Cour
de Soupir, south-west towards Chavonne, which is about two and half miles from
Vailly.
37
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
Officer Commanding B Company, Captain Dawson. But now
the enemy's attack developed on the right. He succeeded in
bringing up some machine guns into Rouge Maison Farm.
With these guns he poured a heavy fire into A and C Com-
panies of the Lincolnshire and at the same time German
infantry debouched from the wood on the right of the battalion.
The latter, caught between two fires suffered severe losses, the
Officer Commanding A ' Company, Captain Greatwood, being
among the wounded. A message was sent back to Brigade
Headquarters asking for support. Two companies of the
Royal Scots Fusiliers sent up on the right were enfiladed by
machine guns and driven back with heavy loss. {Official History \
Vol. I, p. 351.) An order was signalled from the rear for the
Lincolnshire to retire by platoons beginning from the right.
No sooner had the retirement begun than the enemy rushed
a machine gun into a wheat stack not more than fifty yards away,
whilst his infantry swarmed on to the ridge, which bent round the
flank, and opened a destructive fire as the Lincolnshire fell back
across the greasy beet field. At the bottom of the ravine Colonel
Smith rallied the troops, amongst whom were some Royal Scots
Fusiliers, and then, as Vailly offered no defensive position, he
moved back across the river to a railway cutting on the opposite
side. So, over the railway bridge (now partially repaired and
having planks placed across the gaps), the Lincolnshire retired
to the cutting. But here further casualties were' suffered from
the enemy's shell-fire, including the Commanding Officer,
Lieut.-Colonel Smith and the Adjutant, Lieutenant Hutchinson,
though both gallantly continued to carry on.
After three hours in the cutting, the Lincolnshire again crossed
the river and took cover in a wood about two hundred yards
beyond it. Here, for several hours they sheltered behind a
bank and after darkness had fallen moved into Vailly, where the
men were permitted to lie down and get what sleep they could.
The losses of the Lincolnshire during the fighting on the
14th September were eight officers (including the Battalion
M.O.) killed or wounded, and one hundred and eighty other
ranks. 1
Just before daybreak on the 1 5th the battalion, with the Royal
Scots Fusiliers (both weak in numbers), moved out from Vailly
in order to support the 4th Royal Fusiliers and 1st Northumber-
land Fusiliers. The latter battalions were holding a ridge about
a mile north of Vailly, a winding, sunken road leading up from
1 Captain H.E. Dawson, Lieutenant A.W. Peddie and four other ranks killed. Lieut.-
Colonel W.E.B. Smith, Captain F.W. Greatwood, 2nd Lieutenants C. Hutchinson and
H.L. Trist, and one hundred and two other ranks wounded. Captain G.A.K. Kemp-
thorne, R.A.M.C. (M.O.) and and Lieutenant Wyatt wounded and missing-, and seventy-
four other ranks missing, most of whom were probably killed.
38
THE BATTLE OF THE AISNE [sept. i 5 th, i 9 i 4
the town to and over the ridge. On the right side of this road
was a rather high bank well covered with tall trees and bushes :
the bank on the left side of the road was neither as high nor as
well protected. Into this roadway cutting the Lincolnshire and
Royal Scots Fusiliers moved, in which position they were in
support to the Royal Fusiliers, who were astride the road on the
top, and the Northumberland Fusiliers who were on the left.
Here throughout the 1 5th (the last day of the Aisne battle)
the Lincolnshire remained, digging themselves into the bank and
making themselves as comfortable as possible, so far as the
incessant shelling to which the road was exposed permitted.
Battalion Headquarters were established in a small cottage on
the right of the road until it was demolished the next day by
German shells.
39
THIS IS A BLANK PAGE
J0^
MoilS$® oStSymphorfen
23 « P - E4 th
AUGUST
25™ 26 T . M AUGUST
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Hargicour^
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Map to show the daily marches
of the ist Battalion, Lincolnshire
Regiment,, during the Retreat from
Mons, and the subsequent Advance
to^thfcs^isne, from the 2, 3rd August
to the iath September, 19 14.
Zr^ 6p.m. 1
Vermando
28™AUG
(\Q AM.)
28™ AUG
. (6.30pm)
Freniche
1 29™ AUG
Compiegne
Mi les
PART TWO
TRENCH WARFARE, REINFORCEMENTS,
AND
THE BATTLES OF 1914
TRENCH WARFARE [KPTl , I9H
I
THE BEGINNING OF TRENCH WARFARE
THE small cottage by the roadside in which Battalion
Headquarters had been established was destroyed by
shell-fire on the 16th, and from that date all ranks lived
in holes in the ground ; hardly good enough to be called dug-
outs, such as were used later in the war. No fires or lights were
permitted, nor were the men able to do any cooking. Tea was
sometimes made in the town and rations were fetched over the
river at night by ration parties. For a while orchards and vine-
yards, which lay close to the roadside, provided plenty of fruit.
Showery weather set in and the nights were now very cold.
Occasionally there were spells of Warm sunshine when the men
would emerge from their dug-outs and bask in the sun, scuttling
back when the enemy's artillery opened fire. Without over-
coats and blankets, and only a few waterproof sheets, it was
wonderful how all ranks endured the cold and wet as they did
without serious casualties.
There was little real rest in the front line trenches even at
night, for during the hours of darkness the battalion stood to
arms once or twice, and always at daybreak. Moreover,
whenever the enemy's infantry opened a fusilade of rifle-fire,
everyone had to be on the alert, and this happened frequently
throughout the day and often at night.
At this period the hostile artillery was superior both in number
of guns and calibre to that of the British. The Germans in
pre-war days had foreseen a siege war, i.e., a possible war against
forts or entrenched positions, and had provided their army with
howitzers (high-angle guns)of all calibres, the 8-in. howitzer being
largely used. This gun fired a shell which gave off black smoke
and was nicknamed " Jack Johnson " and made a crater fifteen
to twenty feet across and about ten feet deep. To these guns
the British had little with which to reply until on the 23rd
September, a number of old pattern 6-in. howitzers arrived from
England, but these were, of course, far inferior to the enemy's
8-in. howitzers. A small high-velocity gun used by the enemy
was very accurate and caused many casualties. It fired a small
shell (" whizz-bang "), the report of discharge and burst being
practically simultaneous.
Practically all the British positions north and south of the
Aisne were under fire from the enemy's guns ; the battalion
transport vehicles, for instance, were parked south of the river
at Chassemy and came in for their share of shell-fire. On one
occasion when the horses had been hooked in, and shells fell in
43
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
the neighbourhood, it was only by standing to the horses and
holding on to them that Lance-Corporal York succeeded in
preventing a stampede, for ■which gallant action he was awarded
the D.C.M.
The night of the 20 /21st was eventful. The battalion held
some trenches, taken over from the Royal Fusiliers very close
to the German trenches. During the night, under cover of a
continuous fusilade of rifle-fire, the enemy commenced digging
what appeared to be pits for field guns in front of their line,
suggesting an imminent attack. Our rapid fire, mainly directed
on the diggers, dimly discerned in the moonlight, seemed to have
frustrated the intention of the enemy as no attack materialised
and several German dead were seen in front of their lines when
day broke.
The Lincolnshire were relieved by the 2nd York and Lancaster
on the 2 1st in broad daylight without interference by the enemy,
which was surprising. The battalion marched away down the
sunken road and took cover in a large quarry until sunset.
After dark companies in single file crossed the Aisne and took
the road to Braisne. The enemy seems to have been aware of
their withdrawal for he shelled the bridge and the river and
several casualties were suffered.
Along the road to Braisne the Lincolnshire passed two more
battalions of the 1 6th Brigade moving up to relieve the remainder
of the 9th Brigade, which had been ordered to withdraw for
refitting and a well-earned rest at Courcelles, a small village
about two miles east of Braisne and some five miles south of the
Aisne. Reinforcements under Lieutenant Dove joined the
battalion about the 20th and at Courcelles, some days later,
another draft under Captain R.H. Spooner.
The battalion arrived in billets about 1 1 o'clock at night very
tired and very dirty. This was the first occasion all ranks had
been definitely relieved from duty in the front line or in support,
after the crossing of the Aisne. Since the arrival in France, the
advance to Mons and the Retreat, no opportunity for a good clean
up and attention to clothing and equipment had been possible.
The battalion came out of the trenches, therefore, deficient in
many articles ; their clothes in a terrible condition from constant
soakings and contact with mud, their boots in holes and anything
but watertight, resembling very little the smart battalion which
left Portsmouth in August.
Those few days at Courcelles, however, worked wonders and
although the advance depots were unable to replace all clothing
and equipment required (many of the men were still minus pack
and overcoats and no blankets were issued), when the battalion
went back to the trenches on the 25th all ranks were rested and
44
TRENCH WARFARE [SEPT ., x 9H
well fed and ready for any fighting or hard living which might
fall to their lot.
The trenches taken over by the Lincolnshire from the ist
Royal Scots (8 th Brigade) on the night of 25th September were
on a ridge nearly a mile to the left of their old trenches. The
battalion arrived on the southern slope of the hill at about 9 p.m.,
and occupied some shallow dug-outs after a platoon from each
company had been sent to the firing line over the "brow of the
hill. These trenches, which were not continuous, but in short
lengths, were only occupied during the night time, the troops
being withdrawn before dawn, leaving piquets behind hidden
amongst trees or in gullies. Instead of a plateau, there was, in
front of the battalion a deep valley, the sides of which were
broken up by ravines filled with bushes. It was necessary to guard
against surprise by piqueting these. Patrols also reconnoitred
the valley and a deserted village which was hidden amongst the
trees. About a dozen marksmen were selected, and employed
as sharpshooters and did excellent work. They were posted
near Battalion Headquarters, and some were always on the
look-out during daylight, and any movement of German scouts
or snipers was promptly dealt with.
The 26th was characterised by slight shelling in the morning
which greatly increased during the afternoon, but only three
men were wounded. The battalion snipers had a few shots on
this day at a group of Germans about seven hundred and fifty
yards away and two of the enemy fell. On the 27th the Germans
first used hand-grenades, though there are no records of their
use against the Lincolnshire. On this date also A Company
was sent to relieve a company of the Royal Scots Fusiliers on
the right. The 28 th again witnessed slight shelling during the
morning, increasing as the day wore on. At about 6 p.m., two
shells from what was obviously a new heavy howitzer fell, one
in front and the other in the rear of the trenches and burst with
terrific force. These were apparently ranging shots, for they
were followed by twelve others traversing along the whole line
but to the amazement and gratification of the men, none of them
exploded. Three more men were wounded on the 28 th.
The next day (29th) the battalion had its first experience of
bomb-dropping from the air, but the bombs fell very wide of
their mark and exploded harmlessly in the valley in No Man's
Land. " No firing at all. No casualties," is the record for 30th
September. On the ist October rumours were afloat that the
battalion was to be relieved the following day and moved from
the Aisne. In these days very little news filtered through as to
what was happening outside any particular area.
At night orders were received for the relief of the battalion
45
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
by the Shropshire Light Infantry, who were to take over the line
held by the Lincolnshire on the 2nd October. At 7 p.m. on
that date the battalion marched out of Vailly and re-crossed the
Aisne for the last time. Crossing over the now well-battered
bridge which led to the Chassemy road, the battalion set out
for Braisne. The road was dotted with shell holes filled with
water (for rain had fallen), into which more than one man slipped.
At Braisne the expected orders were received. They directed
the battalion to march to Servenay, the 9th Brigade having been
ordered to march to the area Servenay-Cramaille-Grandiselle.
Throughout the whole- of the night of the 2nd /3rd the bat-
talion with Brigade Headquarters and the Royal Fusiliers,
marched on their destination, passing through the villages of
Cerceuil, Gory, Housse and Arcy. At about 3.30 a.m. on
the latter date, after having marched some twenty miles, the
Lincolnshire reached Servenay and were billeted in the barns
of a large farm. The Northumberland Fusiliers and Royal
Scots Fusiliers, who had previously arrived in Augy, also moved
to the Brigade area.
The inward meaning of the withdrawal of the 9 th Brigade
from the Aisne was the transfer of the British Expeditionary
Force to' the Bethune-Ypres area, for from the third week in
September the left flank of the Allies and the right flank of the
German Armies were engaged in what is now known as " the
race to the coast."
Meanwhile Sir John French suggested to General Joffre that
the appropriate strategic position of the British Expeditionary
Force was on the left of the Allied line. To this the French
Commander-in-Chief agreed and arrangements were made to
withdraw the British Army from the Aisne.
Meanwhile the 1st Lincolnshire, marching by night to conceal
their movements from hostile aircraft, had with other units of
the 9th Brigade, left Servenay on the 3rd October at 5.45 p.m.
for Troesnes — an eighteen-mile march. They marched again
on the night of the 4th for Crepy-en-Valois (twenty-two miles).
The march to Crepy-en-Valois was a long and particularly trying
one, but the men " stuck it " most pluckily, and the whole bat-
talion reached its billets in Crepy complete. On the night of the
5th they marched to Rhuis, whence, after a halt of two and a
half hours the battalion marched to La Croix St. Ouen, which
was reached at dawn on the 6th. Here the Lincolnshire en-
trained for Abbeville. The battalion received welcome assist-
ance in detraining at Abbeville from the London Scottish, who
had recently arrived from England.
The Battalion Diary has the following interesting note :
" The men were in a very exhausted condition. Seventeen days
46
REINFORCEMENTS [19H-1915
in the wet and mud of the trenches with no time to take off their
clothing and only one day on which they could take their boots
off had made their feet in a very bad state. Following this were
three forced marches. These abnormal conditions accounted for
their exhaustion. After a four hours wait, during which the
men were able to cook and make hot tea, the Battalion entrained
and proceeded via Amiens to Longprd, where we arrived about
8 p.m. (6th), and halted there till 1 1 a.m. on the following day,
when we went on to Abbeville, where we detrained."
The Lincolnshire then marched to Buigny and billeted in
farm buildings, where for the time being the battalion may be
left enjoying a short but well-earned rest.
II
THE MOBILISATION OF THE 3RD (RESERVE) BATTALION, THE
TERRITORIALS, AND RAISING OF THE SERVICE BATTALIONS OF THE
REGIMENT
The task of training and despatching drafts to the battalions
serving overseas of the regular and new armies, to replace the
wastage of war, devolved on the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion of the
Regiment, formerly militia, commanded by Lieut-. Colonel
W.V.R. Fane. The battalion was stationed at Grimsby, its
war station, from August 19 14 to November 19 17.. Whilst
at Grimsby it shared with the 3rd and 4th Battalions Manchester
Regiment the duty of guarding the coast defences on the south
side of the Humber, and furnished detachments from time to
time at Killingholme Oil Tanks, Immingham Docks and Waltham
Wireless Station.
The Wireless Station was frequently the object of attack by
German aeroplanes, but escaped injury. A number of the 3rd
Battalion Manchester Regiment, however, billeted in a school
at Cleethorpes were killed by bombs.
In November 1 9 1 7 it was decided, in consequence of conditions
obtaining in Ireland, to replace Irish Special Reserve battalions
serving there by English, Welsh and Scotch battalions, and the
3rd Lincolnshire moved to Cork, where it was quartered in
Victoria Barracks, with a battalion of the King's Liverpool
Regiment, and one of the Welsh Fusiliers.
In February 19 18 the 3rd Lincolnshire sent a detachment of
twenty-eight officers and four hundred and twenty other ranks
to Tulla, in Co. Clare, where the Sinn Feiners were setting law
and order at defiance. The detachment was recalled to Cork
on the news of the German offensive of the 21st March, and soon
47
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
afterwards the battalion sent a draft of every available man to
replace casualties.
The work both at Grimsby and Cork was difficult and com-
plicated ; in the early days of the war, officers and men remained
long enough with the Battalion to be fairly well trained, and to
acquire some feeling of esprit de corps. But as the war pro-
gressed, and the number of battalions at the front as well as the
casualties increased, the training of officers and men had to be
perpetually hastened and intensified, and when time permitted
training at home was supplemented by training at base camps
at Etaples and elsewhere in France, before sending the drafts
to the front line.
Captain M.G.H. Barker (Colonel Barker, D.S.O., A.A. and
Q.M.G., Eastern Command) was Adjutant of the Battalion for
the first five months ; he was succeeded by Captain E. James
(Lieut.-Colonel James, D.S.O., M.C., E. Lanes. Regt), and he
by Captain H. Disbrowe, invalided from France. Captain and
Quartermaster T, Hammond served with the Battalion through-
out the war.
The following figures for 1 9 1 4 and 1 9 1 5 are of interest. The
3rd Battalion sent to the 1st to replace casualties in 19 14, in less
than five months' fighting, 1,336 men. In 19 15 the 2nd, 6th,
8 th and 7th needed reinforcements, as well as 1st Battalion, and
the numbers sent out during the year were : —
To replace casualties.
1st Battalion
.. 1,430 .
. at Ypres, first attack Bellewaarde.
2nd „
.. 1,100 .
. at Neuve Chapelle, Aubers and Bois Grenier
6th
.. 1,082 .
. at Gallipoli.
8th
4.61 .
. At Loos.
7th
59 •
. Early days in the trenches.
Total ... 4,132
No " conscientious objector " came to the 3rd Battalion from
Lincolnshire ; but three men from another county gave a good
deal of trouble in this connection. After a time more than half
the men posted to the battalion were men from the Expeditionary
Force, sent home on account of wounds or sickness, and some of
these returned to the front with three or four wound stripes.
Whilst the 1st Battalion of the Regiment was engaged with
the enemy in Flanders and in France, the Territorial battalions
were in training.
On the 25th of July, 19 14, the 4 th (Lieut.-Colonel J.W.
Jessop) and 5th (Lieut.-Colonel T.E. Sandall) Battalions 1 (T)
/The 4th and 5th (T) Battalions of the Lincolnshire Regiment formed part of the
Lincoln and Leicester Infantry Brigade of the North Midland (T.F.) Division. They
were brigaded with the 4th and 5th Battalions Leicestershire Regiment. The Division
was subsequently numbered the 46th, and the Brigade the 138th.
48
TERRITORIAL BATTALIONS bm
assembled at Bridlington for their usual annual training, but on
the 2nd of August, received orders to return to their Head-
quarters on the 3rd. By the afternoon of the 4th both battalions
had returned to their respective Headquarters and been dismissed
with orders to hold themselves in readiness to assemble at their
Drill Halls on receipt of the hourly expected orders to mobilise.
These came during the evening. The 5th, the first day of
mobilisation, was one of great excitement and activity. At that
early period only five Territorial battalions had signed the General
Service obligation " to serve overseas if required in time of
national danger," but on the declaration of war it was not long
before the majority of Territorial units throughout the country
volunteered for service overseas whenever they were required.
The first duties which fell to the lot of the Lincolnshire
Territorials were to guard Grimsby Docks and Harbour, to
protect the electric power station, wireless station at Weelsby
and the construction of defences at the mouth of the Humber.
On the 10th of August, both battalions reported mobilisation
complete and the following day they entrained for Belper, the
War Station of the Lincolnshire and Leicestershire Brigade.
For the next few days training consisted chiefly of route marching
with full equipment. On the 15th, however, a move was made
to Luton, which for several months was the home of the North
Midland Division, the Lincolnshire being billeted in the town.
The 1 /4th and 1 /5th Lincolnshire were eventually postedto
the 138th Brigade, 46th Division, and went to France with
that formation in February 1915.
On the 15th of September, 19 14, the Government called on
the Territorials to volunteer for foreign service, and practically
all battalions throughout the country answered the call, though
for various reasons not all ranks could undertake overseas obliga-
tions. Units of which not less than sixty per cent, volunteered
were designated " General Service," and were ordered to recruit
up to establishment and twenty-five per cent, beyond it. As
soon as units had obtained a sufficiently high percentage of
volunteers for service overseas, a second unit of similar strength
was formed : the latter were termed " Second Line " units ;
Later, " Third Line " units were formed. The original Territorial
battalions then became known as the First Line units. Thus
the 4 th and 5th Lincolnshire became the i/4th and 1 /5th
Battalions.
The 2 /4th and 2 /5th Lincolnshire were formed at Luton in
January 19 15, and became part of the 177th Brigade of the 59th
Division. The men for these two battalions were taken from
a Provisional Battalion organised at Dunstable in September 1 914
of drafts of men from Lincoln, Grimsby and Leicester. The
e 49
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
Leicester men formed the two Leicester battalions of the 177th
Brigade.
After service in Ireland in 19 16 the 2 /4th and 2 /5th Lincoln-
shire went to France with the 59th Division in February 1 9 1 7.
The 3 /4th and 3 /5th were organised in April 1915 and in
October 19 16 were amalgamated under Colonel Hart. These
battalions did not serve oversea.
There was also a Provisional Battalion, known as the 28 th,
later designated the 13 th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment, and
classified as a Territorial battalion, but of this unit no details
are available.
Meanwhile, on the 5th of August 19 14, the House of
Commons authorised an increase of the Regular Army by
500,000 men, and on the 7th the Secretary of State for War
(Lord Kitchener) announced by means of posters and the press
the immediate call to arms of 100,000 recruits to form the first
New Army of six divisions. 1
The 6th was the first of the Service Battalions (as the New
Army battalions were called) of the Lincolnshire Regiment to be
raised. As early as the 8 th of August Captain Elkington and
Lieutenant and Quartermaster P.H. Jones, two regular
officers of the Regiment, arrived at Belton Park, near Grantham,
to make preparations for receiving recruits from the depot at
Lincoln, where large numbers were enlisting. By the end of
the month four companies were formed and the original nucleus
of a few regular soldiers had expanded to a battalion with Lieut.-
Colonel M.P. Phelps in command.
The 6th Lincolnshire 2 were quartered in Belton Park, just
outside Grantham. The early days of the battalion were not
easy, as the men had only their civilian clothes, they had no rifles,
and target practice had to be carried out with air guns on a
miniature range. These disadvantages were, however, taken in
good spirit, for all ranks were full of enthusiasm.
On the nth of September the Government issued orders for
the raising of a Second New Army (K.I I), also of six divisions,
i.e., 15th, 1 6th, 17th, 1 8th, 19th and 20th, and the 7th (Service)
Battalion of the Lincolnshire Regiment came into being.
The 7th Lincolnshire were raised at Lincoln, joined the 17th
Division, and were posted to the 5 1 st Infantry Brigade. Lieut.-
Colonel J. Forrest (who took the battalion to France in July
19 15) said : "I reported at Wool, Dorsetshire, about 20th
September, 19 14, and took over about eight hundred n.c.o.'s
and men from Gardner 3 , who arrived that same morning from
1 " K.i " consisted of the 9th, 10th, nth, 12th, 13th and 14th Divisions.
2 The 6th Lincolnshire formed part of the 33rd Infantry Brigade, nth Division : they
were brigaded with the 6th Border Regiment, 7th South Staffbrds and 9th Notts and Derby.
3 A former officer of the Regiment.
SO
SERVICE BATTALIONS [l9I4
Lincoln. I was in charge of the 7th battalion until Colonel Reid,
late Highland Light Infantry, arrived some weeks later to take
command. I was later on duly appointed second-in-command,
and in March 1 9 1 5 was given command and took the battalion
to France on the 14th of July, 19 15."
The raising of jet another New Army — the Third — con-
sisting of the 2,1st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th and 26th Divisions
was ordered on the 13th of September, and the 8th Lincolnshire
were formed as part of the 63rd Brigade, 21st Division. The
first Commanding Officer was Lieut.-Colonel E.B. Wilkinson
(formerly a Lincolnshire regimental officer and sometime Ad-
jutant of the 1st Battalion). The newly-formed battalion con-
centrated in Halton Park, near Tring, and like other Service
Battalions, presented at first a motley appearance until uniforms,
equipment and boots were issued. The winter of 19 14 was
spent in billets at Leighton Buzzard, but in the spring of 1 9 1 5
a move was made first back to Halton Park and later to Witley
Camp. On the 10th of September, 19 15, the battalion en-
trained for Folkestone and crossed over to Boulogne, under the
command of Lieut.-Colonel H.E. Walter, 1 Colonel Wilkinson,
having been appointed to command the 62nd Brigade.
The raising of the 1 oth Service Battalion shows well the spirit
of the County. In August 1914a few old boys of the Wintring-
ham Secondary School at Grimsby approached their late Head-
master, Captain Stream, with a suggestion that he should form
' a company of infantry from the old boys of the School. Captain
Stream willingly agreed and called a meeting of old boys at the
School on the 1 st of September. At the meeting the formation
of the suggested company was enthusiastically decided on : the
company was to offer its services to the^th Territorial Battalion.
Fifty-two old boys volunteered that evening and drills began
next morning. Captain Stream, who commanded the School
O.T.C., placed the Armoury and organisation of the Corps at
the disposal of the new company, being assisted by Lieutenant
A.W.S Pratte, O.T.C., and several ex-n.c.o.'s. The
" Chums " (as they immediately styled themselves) grew rapidly
in numbers and at the end of the first week of training were over
two hundred strong. They then offered their services to the
O.C., 5th Lincolnshire, but great was their disappointment when
they were informed that that battalion was already at full
strength.
Captain Stream then interviewed Alderman Tate, the Mayor
of Grimsby, and that patriotic gentleman, who with his colleagues
on the Recruiting Committee had determined that Grimsby
should not be behind in showing its patriotism, approached the
1 Lieut.-Colonel Walter had also served as Adjutant to the rst Battalion.
51
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
War Office through the Northern Command at York, with a
request for permission to form a complete battalion from the
Borough of Grimsby.
The " Chums " formed the nucleus of the Town's Battalion,
which afterwards was designated the ioth (Service) Battalion of
the Lincolnshire Regiment. The old boys of Wintringham were
joined by old boys from Humberstone Grammar School, St.
James' Choir School, Louth Grammar School and Worksop
College : a number of bank clerks, civil servants and young
business men from Grimsby also swelled the ranks of the
battalion, which by the end of October had a strength of about
one thousand all ranks. Major G. C. Bennett was the first
commanding officer, but was succeeded in October by Lieut.-
Colonel the Hon. G.E. Heneage (now Lord Heneage).
On the 4th of December the battalion moved to Brocklesby
Farm, and in June 191 5 to Studley Royal, near Ripon. The
ioth Lincolnshire now formed part of the 101st Infantry Brigade
of the 34th Division. After three months hard training on the
Yorkshire Moors the battalion moved first to Strensall, then to
Perham Down, to a canvas camp, until the end of September,
when, as the 34th Division was assembling at Sutton Veny, the
Lincolnshire moved to that place. At Sutton Veny the battalion
completed its training and embarked for France on the 4th of
January 19 16.
There were two other Service Battalions, i.e., the 9th and nth,
but neither of these saw service overseas, being kept in the United
Kingdom for the purpose of training and supplying drafts for
the battalions overseas.
Three more battalions must be mentioned to complete the
contribution of Lincolnshire to the war, viz. : the 12th (Labour)
Battalion ; there were also Labour Companies and the 1st and
2nd Garrison Battalions. The 12th (Labour) Battalion and the
Labour Companies served in France and Flanders and had
casualties. The 1st Garrison Battalion served in India, for
guard duties, and the 2nd in the United Kingdom. Both the
Labour Battalion, and Companies and the Garrison Battalions
were composed largely of old soldiers who formerly served in the
regular army, in many different regiments, but very few, if any,
judging from the list of casualties and deaths, in the Lincolnshire
Regiment.
The history of the Lincolnshire Regiment in the Great War
would not be complete without reference to a contingent of the
Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps, which was attached to the 1st
Battalion and served with it from June 1 9 1 5 to the end. It will
be remembered that the 2nd Battalion was quartered in Bermuda
when war broke out* When the local volunteer Rifle Corps
52
BERMUDA CONTINGENT [l915
volunteered for service, application was made that it might be
attached to the Lincolnshire Regiment.
The i st Bermuda contingent consisted of one officer, Captain
R.J. Tucker, V.D., and eighty-nine other ranks, and joined the
i st Battalion in June 19 15. The 2nd contingent, Lieutenant
Trimmingham, and thirty-six other ranks, all trained machine
gunners, joined in September. These contingents lost forty
other ranks killed or died of wounds, whose names are recorded
in the " Roll of Honour " of the Lincolnshire Regiment which
is deposited in Lincoln Cathedral. Their casualties, in killed
and wounded, were over seventy-five per cent, of their strength.
Major Tucker was promoted and awarded the O.B.E. The
present Commanding Officer (1930), Major R.C. Earl, was a
Colour Sergeant in the 1st contingent, and recommended for a
commission for work in the field. Others were also promoted
to commissions. Amongst those who specially distinguished
themselves were Corporals Noble, Churm, Maderiot, Ingham
and Marshall.
The contingents left France in March, 1 9 1 5, and returned to
Bermuda in May 1919.
The connection of the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps with
the Lincolnshire Regiment has, since the War, been made per-
manent, as it now, with the sanction of His Majesty the King,
appears in the Army List as an " Allied Regiment."
Ill
THE BATTLES OF LA BASSEE, ARMENTIERES, AND MESSINES, I9I4 :
IOTH OCTOBER— 2ND NOVEMBER
The II. Corps (Smith-Dorrien's) was due to arrive on the
line of the Aire-La Bassee Canal on the nth October, covered
on its left by the Cavalry Corps and in touch on the right with
the Tenth French Army 1 : the III. Corps was to come into line
on the left of the II.
On the 10th a conference took place between Sir John French
and General Foch, at which it was agreed that a combined advance
eastwards should be made by the French and British troops in
the north, the latter passing north of Lille. 2 The intention of
the Allies was to make another attempt to turn the right flank of
the German Armies.
Early on the ioth October the II. Corps continued _ its
movement to the Aire-La Bassee Canal. The ist Lincolnshire,
1 The left of the Tenth French Army was at Vermelks, south of the La Bassee Canal.
2 On the ioth October there was still a garrison of 4,000 French troops in Lille.
53
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
marching with other units of the Brigade, halted at 3 a.m. near
Hesdin. At 9 a.m. a fleet of French motor-buses and lorries
arrived, which carried the Brigade to Sains les Pernes and
Sachin, where the troops billeted.
At 8 a.m. on the nth the Battalion left Sachin and again
marching in a north-easterly direction, reached Busnes, just
south of the Aire-La Bassee Canal, where the Brigade billeted.
THE BETHUNE-YPRES AREA
{See ante page 46)
The battalion left Busnes at 6 a.m. on the 12th, and after
marching along the southern bank of the Aire Canal for about two
miles, crossed by a bridge, and by way of water-logged lanes
arrived within a short distance of Vieille Chapelle where a halt was
called. The 7th and 8th Brigades were then driving back the
enemy, whose infantry clung to every hedge, lane and ditch
which afforded cover. The 9 th Brigade was in reserve.
La Vieille, less than half-a-mile away, was being shelled by
the enemy, the church tower being the target which attracted
the German artillery. The low-lying country of the Lys valley
afforded few artillery observation posts, so that every high build-
ing was used by the opposing forces for observing purposes. The
battalion watched shell after shell explode around the church,
until finally the whole structure was in a blaze : at dusk the
54
LA BASSEE [oct, 1914.
Lincolnshire were ordered to billets, but on the way received
orders to reinforce the 7th Brigade. They then moved in a
south-easterly direction, passing through Lacouture and taking
up a defensive position on the south-west side of the road leading
to Richebourg-St.Waast, with the 7th Brigade in front holding
the valley about the Estaires-La Bassee road : the 8th Brigade
was on the left of the 7th. On the right of the 3rd Division,
the 5th Division were astride the La Bassee Canal.
Vastly different from the hills and valleys on the Aisne was
the country in which the II. Corps was now operating. The
low-lying country of the Lys was flat and intersected with dykes
and ditches. Occasionally there was a rise in the ground for a
few feet, and about ten miles east of Bethune there was a low
ridge extending from between Armentieres and Lille to within
a few miles of La Bassee, which in time became known as the
Aubers Ridge, otherwise the terrain was uninteresting and
dismal : bogs, streams, thick hedgerows, pollard willows along
the edge of waterways, dank and muddy roads, here and there
farms and buildings — such was the Lys Valley when the opera-
tions against the enemy began in October 19 14. And as
trenches were dug, the countryside churned up by artillery fire
and pock-marked by shell holes, and the roads became broken
by transport and traffic, desolation began to spread its grim hand
over a once peaceful country. But as yet the miseries of that first
winter in the trenches were mercifully hidden from our troops.
Heavy rain fell during the night 12th /13th October and in a
thin drizzle the Lincolnshire advanced to support the 7th Brigade.
Their way lay through Richebourg-St. Waast, where a broad
stream, bridged only by a single plank, had to be crossed.
The battalion was now within range of the enemy's rifle fire,
while all around shells were bursting for the German artillery
was subjecting the line of the 7th Brigade to persistent and heavy
shelling. Four men, the first casualties suffered by the battalion
since the transfer of the British Expeditionary Force from the
Aisne, were wounded on this day. Having crossed the stream,
the Lincolnshire lay down and awaited further orders, as there
was no room for them in the firing line. All day long, in the
rain, they were in this position, then came a succession of orders,
first that the battalion was to entrench itself ; this order was
cancelled and was followed by another soon after to rejoin the
9th Brigade at Vieille Chapelle, but on the way further orders
were received, to move to Lacouture and reinforce the 14th
Infantry Brigade (5th Division). It was close on midnight when
the Battalion turned into the buildings of a large farm at Lacou-
ture, tired out and greatly exhausted owing to the heavy going
and want of sleep,
55
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
In the farm the battalion remained throughout the 14th, 1
though at 1 p.m. B Company was sent to support the Man-
chester of the 14th Brigade, who were being heavily attacked.
About 6 p.m. the Germans made another attack and A Company,
with a machine gun, was sent forward to support the Duke of
Cornwall's Light Infantry. The Lincolnshire remained in
Lacouture until 5 a.m. on the 1 5th, when A and B Companies
LABASSEEJ914.
Armentieres
Estai-*
A
n
r
Mi les
Aubers
@ P?ft,
Chi peflef Lacouture V0 M eU ve ^a Cliqueterie Farm
Rfc^ebouV Cha P e,le ^ HeHies
St.Vaast 5
*^£WeT^
having rejoined, the whole battalion marched back to Vieille
Chapelle and rejoined their own Brigade.
By the night of the 1 5th the enemy had been pressed back
still further.
On the 1 6th the 9th Brigade took over a portion of the front
line. Reveille was at 1.30 a.m., and at 2.30 sum. the Lincoln-
shire marched off to relieve the and Royal Irish Regiment (8th
1 About 10 a.m. on the 14th October, Major-General Hubert Hamilton, the Com-
mander of the 3rd Division, was killed by a shrapnel bullet, about two miles south of
Estaires, to the great sorrow of all ranks.
HLKLlJiS [oct. 17TH, 1914
Brigade) near Rouge Croix. At 7 a.m. the battalion advanced
to the cross roads and entrenched. Here they remained until
3 p.m., when the battalion pushed on to Pietre. In this advance
A and B Companies acted as advanced guard until contact with
the enemy was established beyond Pietre and to the south of
Aubers, where on the slope of a ridge the German rearguard
had taken up position. The battalion advanced to the top of
this ridge, drove in the enemy's rearguard, seized La Cliqueterie
Farm and took up a line beyond the road through Bas Wailly
and L'Aventure. But the Lincolnshire had now penetrated
beyond the general alignment of the II. Corps : an outpost
line was therefore established by A and B Companies, the
remainder of the battalion withdrawing to the above farm for
the night.
When darkness fell the sky was illuminated by the red glow
from burning buildings dotted about on all sides. Farms and
churches blazed fiercely, but behind the British lines the fires
were more subdued and were gradually dying down.
The advance was continued at 7 a.m. on the 1 7th, A and B
Companies of the Lincolnshire still leading the attack of that
battalion. At 1.30 p.m., Colonel Smith was ordered to attack
and capture the village of Herlies. A and B Companies forming
the firing line, with C and D in support
This attack, carried out with great dash, is well described in
the Battalion Diary, and the narrative is given in full.
" The village of Herlies, looking at it from the point of view
of our attack, was situated at the foot of a long and gentle slope,
perfectly open and at that time covered with beet. On our side
the village was defended by strong entrenchments, further pro-
tected by barbed-wire entanglements. The enemy was in con-
siderable force of infantry and was supported by machine guns
and a horse battery. The distance to be crossed was 1,450
yards. Battalion advanced in lines to within 1,000 yards of
position, when we commenced to return the heavy fire poured
into us. From thence we worked our way by short rushes to
within five hundred yards of the forward trenches. At this
point an urgent order was received that the village must be
carried before dusk. Whereupon Colonel Smith gave the order
to " cease fire." The battalion made three or four rushes,
lying down between each. When near enough, to the position
Colonel Smith gave the order to " charge." At about three
hundred yards from the position the enemy commenced to
waver and many were seen to leave their trenches. Battalion
pressed home and crossing the entanglements carried the trenches
at the point of the bayonet, following the enemy through the
burning village."
57
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
But now unfortunately the Divisional artillery, unaware that
the battalion had taken the village, recommenced to shell the
place, and the gallant Lincolnshire had to withdraw to the western
exits until word was sent back to the guns to stop firing : the
Battalion then advanced again, but most of the enemy had
escaped, though forty prisoners were taken. The Lincolnshire
were shortly afterwards relieved by the Royal Fusiliers and moved
back to billets in La Cliqueterie Farm.
This brilliant bayonet charge and the capture of Herlies drew
immediate congratulations from Divisional Headquarters, the
■*=>. "v.
v
THE ATTACK ON HERLIES
Brigadier of the 9 th Brigade, at the close of the day's operations,
sending the following message to Colonel Smith : " General
Officer Commanding 3rd Division congratulates you and so
do I."
The casualties in this affair were one officer (Lieutenant
Peace) died of wounds, 2nd Lieutenants Cave-Orme and Lucas
wounded, three other ranks killed and eighty wounded.
During the day Captain C.'C. Lyall was killed by a stray bullet.
Early on the 19th the Lincolnshire relieved the Royal Scots
Fusiliers in the front line, where all day long they were under
intermittent shell and rifle fire, 2nd Lieutenant Baines and three
men being wounded.
Note. The 9th Brigade Diary gives the disposition of the Brigade on the night
1 7th /i 8th October as follows : Northumberland Fusiliers and Royal Fusiliers in Herlies,
holding the outer edges : Lincolnshire billeted in La Cliqueterie Farm, Bas Pommereau.
58
GERMAN ATTACK [0C t. 2 oth- 2 6th, I9 i 4
The 20th October witnessed hard fighting all along the line.
From Armentieres to Ypres the Germans attacked in very
superior numbers, whilst south of that line British troops in the
front line were called upon to beat off successive violent attacks.
The 9th Brigade, still holding the line Herlies-L'Aventure,
was heavily shelled at about 9 a.m., and an hour later the German
infantry advanced to the attack, but our guns caught them in the
open and broke up the advance. At 12 noon another attack
was launched, the Royal Fusiliers losing heavily, but the enemy
made no headway and gave up the attempt at about 1 . 1 5 p.m.
A third attack was threatened at 2.50 p.m. against the south-eastern
corner of Herlies, but did not materialise. Spasmodic attempts
under cover of heavy shell fire were made against the Lincoln-
shire line all day with no success. One shell fell in B Com-
pany's trench, killing one and wounding eight other ranks.
About 4 p.m. another shell burst over Battalion Headquarters,
wounding 2nd Lieutenant Spooner, killing Pioneer-Sergeant
Sole and wounding eight more men.
The 2 1st and 22nd were similarly days of constant action, all
attacks by the enemy being repulsed with heavy losses to his
infantry. On the latter date the Brigade shortened its front by
withdrawing to a new line of trenches from Helpecarbe (exclu-
sive) to Le Pluich (exclusive). The Lincolnshire therefore fell
back eight hundred yards just before dawn, but were scarcely
in position when the German artillery opened fire and continued
to shell the position all day, killing two men and wounding
nine.
On the 23rd another withdrawal took place, the 9th Brigade
falling back to a line on the Richebourg-Armentieres road before
daylight, the Lincolnshire acting as rearguard. 1 At 10 a.m.
the Germans advanced and established themselves about seven
hundred yards in front of the Brigade. Before dawn on the
24th, an attempt by the enemy to advance was repulsed by
rifle fire.
The 25th resembled the 20th, in that before dawn the Ger-
mans attacked and continued their attacks all day long, but
without success. Rifle and machine-gun fire swept the trenches
of the Lincolnshire, killing Lieutenant V.D.B. Bransbury, 2nd
Lieutenant R. Willis (York and Lancaster Regiment attached
1 st Lincolnshire), and nine other ranks and wounding twelve men.
At last, at about 3.30 a.m., on 26th, the battalion was relieved
by the Northumberland Fusiliers and marched back three miles
to billets in the village of Rouge Croix. All ranks were now
iThe withdrawal, though difficult, quite deceived the Germans. It was bright
moonlight, and some of their posts very close. The Battalion literally crept away on
tip-toe without a single casualty. (General Smith.)
59
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
approaching a state of exhaustion. For days and nights on end
they had been fighting and marching amidst conditions which
can only be described as appalling. In Rouge Croix they
had only a few hours rest. For at 3.30 p.m., the Battalion again
moved forward to support the 7 th Brigade, which was being
hard pressed at Neuve Chapelle. C Company was sent up to
support the Wilts, and A and D Companies the West Kents :
just before dawn on 27th, B. Company joined C. At 1 1 a.m.,
the Royal Fusiliers, South Lanes, and Lincolnshire were ordered
to attack Neuve Chapelle in order to recapture the village, the
latter battalion being on the left of the attack which was to take
place at 3 p.m.
Under cover of buildings and hedgerows companies were
withdrawn, and the whole battalion moved to the left, deploying
astride the Armentieres-Neuve Chapelle road. At 3 p.m.
B and C Companies forming the firing line, with A and B in
support, the battalion advanced to the attack, but was at once
met by very heavy machine-gun and riflerfire. The ground over
which the attack was made was dotted with cottages and build-
ings, in which the enemy had posted his snipers and machine-
gunners. The right and centre were held up, and the Lincoln-
shire only succeeded in advancing eight hundred yards before
they were forced to shelter behind walls, tree-trunks, or whatever
cover was available, from which they replied as best they could
to the enemy's fire. Here they remained until dark, when two
lines of trenches were dug and occupied. The word trenches
is somewhat of a misnomer, for the ground was sodden with
rain and the so-called trenches became mere ditches of mud and
water. Officers and men were by now thoroughly exhausted by
continual fighting and want of sleep. Great difficulty was ex-
perienced in keeping them sufficiently awake, even to repel
counter-attacks : if a man sat down he was instantly fast asleep,
and it took almost rough treatment to awaken him. 1 During
the day the Battalion lost Lieutenant Hardy and thirteen other
ranks killed and Major Grant, Captains Magrath, Baird and
Harrison and seventy other ranks wounded, and seven other
ranks missing.
The trenches dug on 27th were held until 30th. They were
subjected to fire from front and left and the enemy's heavy
1 The following from the Official History, Vol. II, p. zzz, gives some idea,
not only of the severity of the fighting in which the ist Lincolnshire had been engaged,
but of the achievement of the British II. Corps, in defeating the attempt of the
German High Command to break through on the Arras-La Bassee-Armentieres front.
Between the 12th and 31st October the 3rd Division lost two hundred and nineteen Officers
and five thousand six hundred and sixteen other ranks. Opposed to its twelve battalions
between the 13 th and 3 ist there had been identified over thirteen enemy infantry regiments
(of three battalions each), four Jager battalions and twenty-seven regiments of cavalry.
60
MESSINES [oct. 3 ist, 1914
howitzers had the range exactly. On the 28 th a shell from one
of these howitzers fell on the battalion machine gun, with the
result that the survivors of the team (the remainder having
become casualties on the 27th) were either killed or wounded.
The machine-gun section had done splendid work in destroying
the enemy's snipers' nests in cottages.
Shortly before midnight on 29th a battalion of Indians arrived
to relieve the Lincolnshire, but the Germans became aware of
what was taking place and opened heavy fire, delaying the relief.
Eventually, however, the battalion withdrew before dawn and
marched to Vieille Chapelle nominally to have a rest. At
about 10 a.m. an order was received directing the Lincolnshire
to return to Neuve Chapelle. The battalion was moving off
at 2 p.m., when an order changed the destination to Estaires, 1
where, wet and tired out, all ranks went into billets in farmhouses
on the further side of the town.
Thus the Lincolnshire passed out of the area of the Battle of
La Bassee into the area of the Battle of Armentieres. But their
stay in Estaires was of short duration, for at 6.45 a.m. on 31st,
they marched out and, taking the road through Neuve Eglise
and Lindenhoek, reached Kemmel, where A and B Companies
dug trenches facing east, till orders came to cease work and march
into billets in Kemmel. The battalion was now in the area of
the Battle of Messines, I9i4. a The distance from Estaires to
Kemmel is about twelve miles, and although the Lincolnshire
were very tired, the relief from the dreadful trenches at Neuve
Chapelle was very welcome.
They were in Belgium, and in country soon to become familiar.
Mont Kemmel at that period was still picturesque, crowned with
trees with a pavilion or tower on the summit. On the crests and
ridges which linked up the principal peaks of the range of hills
of which Kemmel was the highest (known later as the Wytschaete
Ridge) were several windmills, whilst away west were the heights
of Mont des Cats and Mont Noir. East and between three or
four miles from Kemmel, lay Wytschaete, while about three
miles south-east of the latter was Messines, on the south-eastern
extremity of the ridge.
Fierce and bloody was the struggle between the Germans and
British for the possession of Messines, but when the Lincolnshire
arrived at Kemmel on the 31st October, the enemy only held
1 On the 30th, the Lincolnshire and the Northumberland Fusiliers, under General
Shaw, started by march route for Wytschaete to support the Cavalry Corps. (Official
History, Vol II, p. 222.)
2 All three battles, i.e., Battle of La Bassee (10th October-and November), Battle of
Armentieres (13th October-2nd November) and Battle of Messines 19 14 (12th October-
2nd November), were being fought side by side, to say nothing of the operations going on
from the left bank of the Comines Canal round the whole of the Ypres Salient.
6l
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
part of the village, the remainder being held by the British : the
31st October was the most critical day of the fighting at Ypres,
the Germans having launched prodigious numbers of men in an
endeavour to break through to the Channel ports.
The 1st Lincolnshire with the 1st Northumberland Fusiliers, 1
had been despatched to Kemmel to reinforce the 2nd Cavalry
Division, then holding on with grim determination, to Wyt-
schaete and the high ground in front of the village, whilst the
1 st Cavalry Division held half of Messines, the London Scottish
filling the gap between them.
From midnight (31st October-ist November) onwards every
British trench and every building between Messines and
Wytschaete was steadily shelled by the German artillery, one
battery of their 8" howitzers taking the latter village as its special
target.
At 1 a.m., no less than nine German battalions of infantry
advanced against Wytschaete, which was held by the composite
Household Cavalry Regiment with a fighting strength of only
four hundred and fifteen rifles. Simultaneously, a general attack
in several lines developed against the Messines Ridge between
the windmill (three quarters of a mile north of Messines) and
Wytschaete. Even under these adverse conditions, the British
fire was steady and marvellously accurate, so that despite their
great superiority in numbers the Germans were for a time held
off. But the odds (about twelve to one at Wytschaete and three
to one further south) were terrible, and the weight of numbers
told, for eventually at about 2.45 a.m., the enemy forced his way
into Wytschaete and drove the four hundred men of the cavalry
back to the southern and western edges. Major-General H.
Gough, the General Officer Commanding, 2nd Cavalry Division,
ordered the Lincolnshire and Northumberland Fusiliers at his
disposal at Kemmel to retake the village. The Battalion Diary
of the former records that "at 1.30 a.m. (1st November) a
hurried order was received that the battalion was to march to
Wytschaete and retake the trenches from which the cavalry
had been driven." " This, states Major-General W.E.B.
Smith (then Lieut.-Colonel Commanding the 1st Lincolnshire
Regiment), " was obviously a difficult task, as it was dark and
impossible to locate the trenches."
However, within fifteen minutes of the receipt of the order
the Lincolnshire marched off and reached a point about a quarter
of a mile from Wytschaete, where they were met by Brigadier-
General the Hon. C. Bingham (Commanding 4th Cavalry
i|They and two battalions from the 13th Brigade were sent as being "practically the
only battalions in anything like fit condition for immediate further efforts." {Official
History, Vol. II, p. 297.)
62
WYTSCHAETE [Nov . ist, i 9 r 4
Brigade), who told Lieut.-Colonel Smith that they were wanted
to attack the village immediately : two companies of the North-
M ESS 1NES, 1914 .
Poperinghe
&_ r ° Vfamertin^he
YpreS
Ploegsteert
Miles
umberland Fusiliers, with the 3rd Hussars in support, were also
to take part.
The battalion deployed on the right of the Kemmel-
Wytschaete road and- advanced in two lines. On reaching a
railway cutting on the south-western side of the village they were
fired on "by people whom we thought to be native troops, as
63
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
they called out several Hindustani words." 1 Lance-Corporal
King volunteered to go out and reconnoitre the position. He
climbed a bank and a voice cried out, " We are Indians, who
are you ? " King answered : " We are Lincolns," but on going
forward he was shot dead. Another n.c.o. shared the same
fate. By now many had been killed or wounded, for the enemy
had advanced a machine gun on the right of the cutting and was
firing down into the congested ranks of Lincolnshire. Both
Commanders of A and B Companies became casualties.
The battalion now fell back about one hundred yards, taking
as many of the wounded as possible. Many deeds of gallantry
occurred during this retirement. Meanwhile the Germans were
rapidly entrenching themselves, singing and shouting.
On the arrival of the Northumberland Fusiliers on the left of
the Lincolnshire, the latter were ordered by Brigadier-General
Shaw to push the attack. Colonel Smith then ordered his men
to charge the railway cutting in front.
It must have been somewhere near dawn when this most
gallant attempt was made. That advance was worthy of the
highest traditions of the Regiment. Under very heavy rifle and
machine-gun fire, the battalion rushed forward against the enemy,
who, in considerable strength, was by now strongly entrenched.
Many fell dead or wounded, but still the Lincolnshire persevered
in the attack and got to within a few yards of the German trenches.
The survivors (for by now the battalion had suffered very heavy
losses) took the only cover they could get, a very tiny fold in the
ground, about one hundred yards from the position so strongly
held by the enemy.
Here the remnants of the battalion lay until about 6.45 a.m.
(1st November). Daylight disclosed their position and soon
they were under merciless artillery fire from the enemy's guns as
well as rifle-fire from both flanks, while, to make matters worse,
theirown gunners began to shell them. From this terrible
position it was imperative to withdraw, but how to do it ! At
great risk. Colonel Smith had only been able to keep in touch
with the situation of his battalion by crawling from company to
company, and now he saw that the only thing to do was to make
a dash for a hedgerow and small fold in the ground in rear.
" On Colonel Smith giving the word," records the Battalion
Diary, " we got up and ran for our lives towards the dip, the
enemy opening a murderous fire, but probably owing to surprise
and excitement a great many of their shots went high and many
of us succeeded in reaching shelter."
l Prom the Battalion Diary ist Lincolnshire Regiment. There were Indians in the
neighbourhood as the 57th (Wilde's) Rifles had been holding a line in front of Wytschaete
on the night 31st October-ist November.
64
RETURN TO KEMMEL [N0V . IST , i 9I4
The survivors formed a rough line ; the next thing to cross
in their retirement was a long glacis-like slope. . On emerging
from cover, the battalion once again came under heavy fire, but
fortunately suffered only a few casualties. At last the glacis
slope was passed and the Lincolnshire, strung out into skirmish-
ing order, fell back in the direction of Kemmel.
The battalion, now numbering less than one hundred all ranks,
reached the road near Kemmel and marched back in the direction
of Lindhoek, where on the eastern side of the village they were
formed up by the Colonel and Adjutant. " Here," states the
Battalion Diary, " we were joined by three Special Reserve officers
and about one hundred men who had managed to escape. At
this time the battalion numbered 175."
At Kemmel the Lincolnshire were met by the Brigadier, who
spoke words of encouragement to the men as they marched past
him ; and indeed they deserved all the praise which could be
given them, for the direct result of their splendid tenacity and
dogged courage in maintaining their position was that a large
force of the enemy was prevented from debouching from
Wytschaete to seize Kemmel Hill, the tactical importance of
which was obvious.
After the survivors of the battalion had been collected outside
Lindenhoek, they went into billets in the village. Their losses
were terrible. Five officers (Major C.C.L. Barlow, Captains
R.N. King and L.de O. Tollemache, 2nd Lieutenants E. Barnes
and Lee) were killed, three officers (Lieut.-Colonel W.E.B.
Smith, Captain Johnston and 2nd Lieutenant Hayter) were
wounded, and two hundred and ninety-three other ranks killed,
wounded and missing.
Captain F,H. Blackwood (acting Adjutant) was awarded the
D.S.O. for his distinguished conduct on 1st November, the
citation recording that " during an attack on the village
(Wytschaete) he rallied and kept men in their places after every
company commander had been killed or wounded, showing great
gallantry and coolness under heavy fire." The following were
awarded the D.C.M, : " Lance-Corporal W. Fitch for con-
spicuous gallantry in taking out a reconnoitring patrol under
heavy fire and locating the enemy's trenches " ; Private G.
Saunders for gallantry in volunteering to take a message from
the firing line under heavy fire : and although twice wounded,
got through with the message : Private O.W. Birch, who, also
twice wounded, delivered a message from the firing line, his
wounds being received as he was endeavouring to rejoin his
company."
There were also many subsequent " mentions in despatches " of
Lincolnshire officers, n.c.o.s and men who had been conspicuous
f 65
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
throughout that terrible ordeal at Wytschaete. Moreover,
when they were back in Lindenhoek they were inspected
by General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien, who not only praised their
appearance and behaviour throughout the campaign, but per-
sonally congratulated Colonel Smith for his bravery and the way
he had handled his regiment in action. The Corps Commander
also published a Special Order of the Day, dated and November,
1 9 14 : "The Corps Commander has received a letter from
General E.H. Allenby, C.B., commanding Cavalry Corps :
' My dear Sir Horace,
' I must thank you for the help given me during the past
48 hours by the four Battalions you so kindly sent to our aid,
the Lincolns, K.O.S.B., K.O.Y.L.I. and the Northumberland
Fusiliers, They arrived at a very critical time and their
arrival saved the situation. I fear that they have suffered
severe loss, but they fought brilliantly. , I am deeply indebted
to them and to Brigadier-General Shaw.
* Yours sincerely,
' E.H. Allenby.' "
IV
THE BATTLES OF YPRES : I9I4
Although no special battle name is allotted to the fighting
which took place between the 2nd and nth November, there
was no cessation of the German attacks upon the tired and worn
troops between the Lys and the Menin road : in this fighting the
1st Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment was to be engaged.
At Bailleul, the very necessary work of refitting and reorganiza-
tion was begun, almost immediately after arrival in billets. On
the 5th November the battalion had orders to move " at five
minutes' notice," so tense was the general situation.
The 9th Infantry Brigade left Bailleul about 10 a.m., on the
6th, and marched via Dickebusch, Ypres and through the Menin
Gate to Hell Fire Corner on the Menin road, where it remained
from 4 p.m. till 1 1 p.m., in case it should be required to support
the 2nd Division, At u p.m. Brigadier-General Shaw was
directed to relieve the 6th Cavalry Brigade, in the trenches just
south of the Menin road {Official History, Vol. II, p. 397), about
one and a half miles east of Hooge. Here the Lincolnshire,
66
THE BATTLES OF YPRES
[1914
which had been detailed as reserve battalion, went into dug-outs
(mere holes in the ground), whilst the Northumberland Fusiliers
(right) and Royal Fusiliers (left) began the relief of the cavalry.
The relief was begun at 1 a.m. and completed at about 5 a.m.
on the 7th November without incident. So desperate had been
the fighting in this part of the line that units from all formations
were intermingled in the angle formed by Ypres-Veldhoek-
Klein-Zillebeke-Ypres.
Kemmel
t=
M i I es
5
A
RMENTIERES
A cold mist covered the battlefield when dawn broke on the
7th November : winter had definitely begun and the troops
were now to fight under conditions without parallel in the history
of the British Army. Mud, water, rain, frost and snow were
not unknown in the battles and campaigns of the past, but these
combined with terrific shell fire of unprecedented fury produced
conditions under which troops had never before lived and fought.
With the coming of daylight the enemy's guns opened another
furious bombardment of the British trenches and his infantry
advanced to the attack. Under heavy shell-fire, the Lincolnshire
67
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
stood to arms, ready to go forward if called upon. The call
came during the afternoon at about 4 o'clock. By sheer weight
of numbers the Germans had broken into the line between the
left of Gleichen's and the right of Shaw's groups. 1
The Lincolnshire, with the Northumberland Fusiliers and
Bedfords, were then ordered to counter-attack the enemy and
retake the lost trenches. Advancing through the woods, the
battalion helped to drive the enemy back, but all of the lost
ground could not be recovered, and eventually a line one hundred
yards short of the old position was entrenched, the Lincolnshire
having B and C Companies in the front line, with A and D in
support. The position was astride a ride in a wood which was
constantly swept by machine-gun fire. The roots of trees pre-
vented digging anything but the shallowest of trenches, which
rapidly filled with water. The front-line trenches were liquid
mud. There was a gap on both flanks of the battalion, and
although this space was constantly patrolled, the enemy's snipers
found their way through and, hiding themselves in the trees,
picked off any individual soldier who happened within sight.
For the next few days patrols were kept busy hunting out these
pests. For following up and shooting two of them whilst
accompanying the Commanding Officer on his rounds, Lance-
Corporal G. Shields was awarded the D.C.M.
Throughout the 8th, 9th and 10th the Lincolnshire were
subjected to heavy shell-fire and infantry attacks by the enemy,
and although the former took toll of the battalion, every attempt
of the Germans to advance their line failed and they were repulsed
with heavy losses. On the 8th the battalion lost one other rank
killed and eleven wounded : on 9th 2nd Lieutenant Torr and
eight other ranks were wounded : no casualties are given for
the 10th November.
The Battle of Nonne Bosschen (Nun's Wood) was fought on
the nth November. 2 In this battle, better known perhaps as
the Prussian Guard Attack (the final attempt of the enemy to
break a way through to Ypres and the coastal towns), the
Lincolnshire, first heavily shelled at daybreak, were attacked by
great numbers of Germans. But again all attempts to turn the
battalion out of its position were repulsed, and the enemy fell
back like the waves of an angry sea — broken and discomfited.
Five other ranks killed and fifteen wounded were the losses on
The six infantry brigades of the II. Corps, greatly reduced in strength, were
reorganized into seven groups, known by the names of their Commanders. The 9th
Brigade, less the Scots Fusiliers transferred to another group, was known as Shaw's
Group. [Official History, Vol. II, p. 384.)
2 The battle did not end on 1 ith November, for the enemy's attacks continued for
several days.
68 .
NONNE BOSSCHEN
[NOV. IITH, 1914
the nth November. Heavy rain fell during the day and the
trenches were partially flooded.
The succeeding days, from 12th to 20th November inclusive,
were days of almost indescribable misery, when only the inherent
cheerful disposition of the British soldier kept his soul alive
amidst desperate conditions. On the 12th a hurricane of
shell-fire swept the British trenches all day, and the Lincolnshire ■
lost six more men killed and twenty-three wounded : the 13th
saw a repetition of the bombardment of the previous day. In
addition, the battalion made its first acquaintance with " Min-
nie " (the German Minenwerfer). This was a trench-mortar,
throwing a particularly objectionable shell which on bursting
usually caused considerable damage. A burying party was at
work and the Commanding Officer was reading the burial
service when the first of these shells fell a few yards away.
There was a terrific explosion, but fortunately " Minnie " had
fallen in the soft ground and the worst the Commanding
Officer and the burying party sustained was a thorough bespat-
tering of mud and a painful singing in the ears. Thereafter
" Minnie " became a frequent visitor.
At about 3 p.m., the German infantry again attacked the
Lincolnshire, but were again repulsed. Lieutenant Mumby was
severely wounded during the day, and in other ranks the losses
were six killed and twenty-three wounded. Heavy rain fell and
69
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
when darkness came on the scene in the trenches, ankle-deep in
mud and water, was dismal in the extreme.
On the 14th the Lincolnshire, the enemy having gained ground
on the left, were ordered to take up a line about two hundred
yards in rear of the one held, which had become untenable. As
soon as it was dark the withdrawal was carried out and the
battalion occupied a line which the Diary describes as " a
remarkably ill-chosen position." A series of very small strong
points had been constructed in support. One was allotted to
the Lincolnshire. It would no doubt have been useful in the
event of a break through, but owing to its restricted space
extremely unpleasant during heavy shelling. Two other ranks
killed and six wounded were the day's casualties. They might
have been more had the enemy observed the withdrawal, but
apparently he was under the impression that the Lincolnshire
still held their old position, for on the 1 5th they were subjected
to only occasional shell-fire and the activities of the enemy's
snipers were negligible. 1
The battalion expected relief on 1 5th, but for some reason
only A and D Companies were relieved, B and C remaining in
the front line. The latter were not relieved until after dark on
1 6th. 2 On the 1 7th the whole battalion was a little south of
Hooge, in Sanctuary Wood, in Divisional Reserve, but even
here there was little peace, for the area was intermittently shelled
and three men were wounded. The battalion had a hot meal,
the first after many days.
Until the night of the 18 th the Lincolnshire remained in
Divisional Reserve, but on that date returned to the wood sur-
rounding the Herenthage Chateau, in Brigade Reserve. 3
Snow and sleet fell heavily on 19th, when A Company was
sent to support the Northumberland Fusiliers, and B and D
Companies the cavalry. But between 4 and 5 p.m. orders were
received to relieve the West Kents in the woods south-east of
Zillebeke, between Klein Zillebeke and the Comines Canal.
Accompanied by limber and pack animals the battalion set
out, and, making a detour, marched via the Menin road, Zillebeke,
Verbandermolen and Hill 60. Near Verbandermolen the road
for more than a mile was knee-deep in mud, and in places im-
passable. Detours into the fields had to be made, but one horse
1 Two D.CM.'s were won for gallantry by n.c.o.s of the battalion — one by Company-
Quartermaster-Sergeant W.B. Durrand, and the other by Sergeant J. Hubbard.
2 The " Fighting Strength " of the battalion as given in the Brigade Headquarters
Diary on 16th November was three hundred and fifty all ranks.
3 On the 1 8th the following message was sent to all units from 3rd Divisional Head-
quarters : " General Smith-Dorrien wires : ' I am very proud of the grand reputation
the Third and Fifth Divisions have been earning during the desperate fight under the
First Corps.' "
70
VISIT OF H.M. THE KING [dec. 3 rd, , 9 i 4
harnessed to a limber fell into a shell-hole and had to be destroyed,
as it could not be extricated. At last, after passing the ridge
known as Hill 60, better progress was made, the road leading
downhill at the foot of which were the woods in which the
Lincolnshire were to relieve the West Kents. The relief was
completed by midnight. A hard frost set in during the night
and the 20th was bitterly cold, but for the first time since the
battalion arrived in the Ypres Salient, and although the German
trenches were in some places only divided from ours by a narrow
heap of timber broken up by shelling, no casualties were
suffered.
Late on the night of 20th French troops arrived and relieved
the Lincolnshire, who then marched to Westoutre — a distance
of twelve miles. This march deserves mention on account of
the difficulties encountered, not the least being the deplorable
state of the men's feet after standing in the flooded trenches for
a fortnight. The heavy fall of snow, succeeded by a hard frost,
had made the roads almost impassable for horse-drawn transport.
For some six miles there was a block and it was only by filing
through the congested traffic that the battalion was able to get
through at all. It was dawn on 21st before Westoutre was
reached where, to everyone's dismay, no billets had been pre-
pared. The troops had therefore to sit down by the roadside
until 10 a.m., while the country round about was scoured to find
housing. Eventually a farm was found and the men were put
into a barn with plenty of straw.
Of the appearance of all ranks when they came out of the line
caked with mud from head to foot, unshaven and unwashed, it is
impossible to give an adequate description. Here for the first
time leave to England was granted. Captain Blackwood 1 left
the battalion on sick leave and never rejoined, and Lieutenant
Ricketts was appointed Acting Adjutant in his place. Captain
Tatchell arrived with a draft, and several officers.
Only a few days' rest were allowed the Lincolnshire, and then
on 27 th November the 9 th Brigade marched to Kemmel, where,
about 7 p.m., the battalion relieved the Oxford and Bucks in the
trenches. The 30th saw them back again in billets in Westoutre,
where, on 3rd December, His Majesty the King passed through
the village on his round of inspections. The Lincolnshire lined
up on the roadside with other units of the Brigade.
A Guard of Honour of fifty n.c.o.s and men, under Captain
E. Tatchell, proceeded to Locre, where His Majesty presented
medals to n.c.o.s and men of the Brigade. Private Stroulger 2
1 Captain Blackwood was drowned in August 1926, in a gallant attempt to save a lady
in difficulty whilst bathing.
2 See defence of Frameriesj 23rd August. Page 13.
71
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
was our only representative owing to all the other n.c.o.s and
irien who had been awarded medals being killed or wounded.
Later in the day the whole battalion moved to Locre.
The Lincolnshire left Locre for Kemmel at 2.30 p.m. on the
6th December to relieve the 1st Royal Scots Fusiliers in the front
line. They found the trenches in places waist-deep in mud and
water. B, C and D Companies were put in the firing line, A in
support in a farm close to Battalion Headquarters. The problem
was how to deal with the water. Several bundles of fascines
and some planks of wood were obtained and placed on the floors
of the trenches to stand on. Whisps of straw were distributed
to the men, who wrapped them round their legs and boots, but
still it was impossible to keep dry. After twenty-four hours
under these conditions B Company was in such a bad state that
the Commanding Officer ordered A Company to relieve them.
On the 7th, after twenty-four hours of rain, the trenches were
like miniature canals. Much of the line did not consist of con-
tinuous trenches, but of small island posts in the sea of mud.
The inspection and relief of these posts on a dark night was
most difficult.
At about 4 p.m. on 8 th, the Lincolnshire were ordered to
attack the German trenches opposite the right of the battalion :
the attack was to take place at 8 p.m. Reconnoitring patrols
were at once sent out and returned with a report that the enemy's
position was held in strength. Wire cutters then went out and
succeeded in cutting the entanglements in front of the German
trenches. Two companies, A (Captain Tatchell) and B
(Lieutenant E. James), attacked in line, advancing simul-
taneously at 10 p.m. Little opposition was met with. The
enemy's front line trench, which ran along the western edge of
the wood, was full of water but empty of men. With consider-
able difficulty the attacking companies reached the other side of
this trench, but here they were met by heavy rifle and machine-
gun fire. Both Company Commanders fell wounded, and the
enemy's fire was so heavy that the attackers were obliged to fall
back to their own trenches. 1
Though a failure, the mere fact of these two companies getting
across No Man's Land as far as the enemy's trenches was (in
itself) no small feat. The deplorable condition of the trenches
had so affected the men that unassisted, they were too stiff from
wet and cold to get out of their trenches in order to attack, and
the ground over which they had to advance was muddy and
slippery, with shell-holes full of water. Casualties were four
other ranks killed, nineteen wounded and eleven missing. Besides
1 Captain Tatchell was awarded the D.S.O. and Lieutenant James the M.C. for their
brave and skilful handling of the companies on this occasion.
72
CHRISTMAS AT LOCRE [D8C . 25 th, i 9 i 4
the two officers wounded, and already mentioned, Captain Saurim,
commanding C Company, was wounded earlier in the day.
The following incident is yet another instance of the spirit of
the Regiment despite the hard conditions in which all ranks lived.
On the 8 th December, before the attack described took place, an
officer — 2nd Lieutenant Wade — had been ordered to hospital
suffering from ague. Later it was discovered that he had not
reported to the Medical Officer. It subsequently transpired
that he was on his way to hospital when the attack took place.
Hearing the heavy firing, he most gallantly struggled back to his
company and went over the top with his men. An officer's cap,
with a bullet hole through it, was brought in from No Man's Land
and identified as belonging to Lieutenant Wade, but he was not
seen again and was subsequently reported as missing.
The attack on Wytschaete took place on the 14th December.
During the attack by French troops and the 3rd Division on
Wytschaete and a small wood west of the village, the 1st Lincoln-
shire were in reserve.
The battalion was relieved on the night of 9 th December and
returned to billets in Locre. On the 14th orders were received
to march to a point west of Kemmel, where the Lincolnshire took
up a position in reserve to the 9th Brigade, through whose
trenches troops of the 8th Brigade passed in the attack on
Wytschaete. 1 All day the battalion remained in the position
taken up during the morning, without being called upon. The
attack was a failure and about 4 p.m. the battalion withdrew to
Kemmel and billeted. Early the next morning the battalion
moved to the positions occupied on the previous day. After
several hours of inactivity, spent in heavy rain, the Lincolnshire
were ordered to return to billets, but to be ready to move at a
minute's notice if required. They were not needed and at 3,30
that afternoon marched to fresh billets in Westoutre.
Before the year closed the Lincolnshire spent one more tour
in the front line trenches, i.e., from the 21st to the evening of
24th December. They were fortunate in having their first
Christmas dinner out of the trenches in Locre.
The battalion returned to the front line on New Year's Eve,
which was signalled by a heavy burst of fire from the German
trenches and songs were heard coming from the latter, " Auld
Lang Syne " being conspicuous. The closing days of the year
1 9 14 were uneventful compared with the exciting times in
October and November.
In the British battalions, which fought at the Marne and Ypres,
1 The fighting on the 14th December, here referred to, was ordered in compliance with
a general scheme of attack initiated by General Joffre. (See Official History, Vol. Ill,
p. 16 and Appendix 7.)
73
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
there were, at the close of 19 14, on an average only one officer
and thirty other ranks, of those who landed in August, still with
the Colours. But the officers and men of the old regular Army
had not fought and fallen in vain. They had created such an
impression on the Germans that their leaders " turned aside to
seek for less stubborn foes, and left the British sector alone,
attempting no serious attack on it for three long years."
The total losses of the British from the commencement of the
campaign, as reported by the Adjutant-General in France, were :
Officers. Other Ranks.
Killed 842 8,631
Wounded 2,097 37,264
Missing 688 40,342
3,627 86,237
The greater part of this loss had fallen on the infantry of the
first seven divisions, which originally numbered only 84,000.
{Official History > Vol. II, pp. 466 and 467.)
74
PART THREE
THE BATTLE OF NEUVE CHAPELLE,
THE SECOND BATTLES OF YPRES, AND
THE BATTLE OF LOOS
THIS IS A BLANK PAGE
BERMUDA [SEPT „ I914
I
THE 2ND BATTALION LEAVES BERMUDA
ON the outbreak of war the 2nd Lincolnshire was stationed
in Bermuda, and its first warlike duty was to organise,
immediately, defensive measures against any possible
raid or landing by von Spee's fleet.
The battalion remained there until the middle of September,
1914, when the Royal Canadian Regiment arrived in relief. The
battalion embarked in S.S. " Canada " and, as the ship nosed
her way through the coral reefs to the open sea, thousands of
the inhabitants, who had lined the quayside and sandy shore,
cheered their good wishes and farewells. His Majesty's
Canadian ship "Niobe" escorted the "Canada" to Halifax,
Nova Scotia, where the battalion remained several days. On
each day the battalion landed to carry out route marches and
training, and on one occasion marched through the city with the
bluejackets from the " Niobe."
The Tenth Foot were last in Halifax in 1767. Extract from
Halifax newspaper :
" Halifax turned out in force to cheer the crew of H.M.C.S.
' Niobe ' and the Lincolnshire Regiment, as these two gallant
units paraded the streets, and everywhere they marched the men
got an enthusiastic welcome. Thousands on thousands of
British sailors and soldiers have marched through this city in
past years, but none ever made a better impression than the men
who were seen here yesterday.
" The city expected a good showing from the Lincolnshires,
one of the historic regiments of the British Army, but it was more
than surprised and gratified at the magnificent appearance of the
' Niobe's ' men. British sailors always get a warm welcome
in Halifax but the crowd showed no favouritism this morning.
The thousand sturdy men of the Lincolnshires got every bit as
enthusiastic a reception as the ' Niobe's ' men. All along the
streets, cheer after cheer rang out as the sturdy men in khaki
went by and the broad grin on the face of every perspiring
Tommy, as he stepped out to the strains of the Regiment's
magnificent band, showed that the greeting of Halifax was
appreciated and reciprocated.
" Arriving in the Park, the men piled arms and fell out for
a smoke, the sailors and soldiers cordially fraternising. The
march was then resumed and on the way back to the transport the
band, which had been playing the regimental quickstep, changed
to the * Maple Leaf,' whereat the volley of cheers redoubled.
" The Mayor, Mr. Bligh, inspected the men as they passed
77
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
the City Hall and complimented Colonel McAndrew on the
fine appearance of the men."
On leaving Halifax, the " Canada " sailed north and anchored
in Gaspe Bay, at the mouth of the St. Lawrence river, to await
the assembly of the ships conveying the ist Canadian Contingent
to England. These were weary days, but on 3rd October all
had assembled and the thirty-one ships comprising the convoy
sailed. The escort consisted of H.M.S.s " Eclipse," " Diana,"
" Carybdis," and " Talbot." The " Canada "was detailed as
Transport Flagship. When nearing England the escort was
increased by the arrival of the battle cruiser " Queen Mary,"
which with decks cleared for action made an inspiring and
impressive sight as she swept past at full speed and within a
cable's length of the " Canada."
Off Scilly the convoy split up and the ships headed for different
ports on the west and south coasts of England. The " Canada "
put into Devonport and the cheers of the vast crowd which
thronged the Hoe at Plymouth were feelingly reciprocated
by those on board who had no wish to prolong the already long
and tedious voyage.
On disembarking, the battalion journeyed by rail and went
into camp at Hursley Park, near Winchester. Here the 8 th
Division, consisting chiefly of battalions from India and the East,
assembled and the battalion found itself in the 2 5th Infantry
Brigade.
Three weeks enabled much to be done in equipping, clothing
and training and at 12 noon on 5th November the battalion
marched out of camp for Southampton, where it embarked in
S.S." Cestrian."
Havre was reached on the following morning, and by the
evening of November 6th the battalion was established in rest
camps above the town. On November 9th the battalion en-
trained, and after a twenty-four-hour journey went into billets
for the night at Strazeele, near Merville.
On November 14th the battalion had its first experience of
the warfare of the trenches, taking over a portion of the line near
Laventie, being temporarily attached to the Lahore Division.
During these opening days in the trenches the battalion
suffered its first casualties in the war, Lieutenant N.J.S. Hunt-
ington and five men being killed and seventeen wounded. The
remainder of November was spent in getting accustomed to the
new and uncomfortable life, made more trying by the frost and
snow which, being of exceptional severity, caused much suffering
more especially as the battalion had only recently come from a
warm and sunny climate. As a result, many went down with
sore and frost-bitten feet.
78
VISIT OF H.M. THE KING [dec. ist, x 9 i 4
Trench routine was from time to time relieved by minor inci-
dents. On November 23rd the battalion carried out the
Division's first raid, when Lieutenant E.H. Impey, with eight
men, entered the enemy's trenches. Draped in white sheets,
the party crept over the snow-covered ground to a portion of
the German Line known as Red Lamp Corner. The enemy
were completely surprised and the party, after firing down the
trench on the confused enemy garrison, withdrew without loss.
On the ist December the King, accompanied by President
Poincare and General Joffre, visited the Division, and was re-
ceived by a Guard of Honour under Captain R. Bastard provided
by the battalion.
The weeks sped on and all efforts were concentrated in main-
taining our position in the water-logged trenches. It soon be-
came known, however, that more active operations were intended
as soon as weather conditions made an offensive possible. The
battalion moved on ist March to billets in La Gorgue, near
Estaires, where intensive training began and large working parties
proceeded each evening to the front line opposite Neuve Chapelle.
The casualties in the trenches of the battalion from the 1 7th
November, 1914^0 the 10th March, 19 15, were : killed, Lieu-
tenant N.J.S. Huntington ; other ranks, thirty-six ; wounded,
other ranks, one hundred and ten.
II
THE BATTLE OF NEUVE CHAPELLE : IOTH-I3TH MARCH, 1 9 1 ^
During the early months of 191 5 proposals for a combined
attack on the German lines were the subject of conferences between
the French and British High Commands. For reasons dealt
with in the British Official History of the War, a combined attack
did not take place, and the Battle of Neuve Chapelle was an
entirely independent operation of the British Expeditionary
Force. (See Official History, Vol. Ill, pp. 18, 19, 72 and 73.)
The original plan aimed at reaching a position on the Illies-
Aubers Ridge, threatening the German communications by rail
and road between La Bassee and Lille ; but as assistance from the
French could no longer be counted on, it was foreseen that it
might become necessary to halt short of the top of the Aubers
Ridge, and three alternative positions were selected which the
assaulting units were to be prepared to put in a state of defence :
the German front trenches, the " Smith-Dorrien " trench east
of Neuve Chapelle, and a line along the eastern edge of the Bois
79
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
de Biez to Aubers village. 1 The battle was to begin by the
capture of Neuve Chapelle as a distinct operation. The gap in
the enemy's defences thus created was to be enlarged by simul-
taneous attacks to the right and left
The 8th Division of the IV. Corps, and the Meerut Division
of the Indian Corps were to effect the capture of Neuve Chapelle.
On the right the Garwhal Brigade (five battalions) was to assault
on a front of six hundred yards, and the 25th and 23rd Brigades
of the 8 th Division were to assault on the left. The village of
NEUVE CHAPELLE
, 1915
I Mile
Neuve Chapelle lies in an obtuse angle formed by the La Bassee-
Estaires road, and the Rue Tilleloy, and about one thousand
yards from Pont Logy at its apex. The Garwhal Brigade attacked
from the direction of the La Bassee road, and the 8th Division
from Rue Tilleloy.
The 25th Brigade of the 8th Division attacked on a front of
four hundred yards from the Rue Tilleloy-Neuve Chapelle road
inclusive to the Sign Post Lane, north of it, exclusive. The 2nd
Royal Berkshire Regiment on the right, and the 2nd Lincolnshire
1 Official History, Vol. Ill, pp. 80 and 84. All attacks, to the end of the war, were,
after this battle, based on the methods of the First Army in preparing for Neuve
Chapelle. For the first time objective maps (with the well-known red and blue lines, etc.)
were issued, and for the first time a barrage was ordered, and artillery time-tables
issued.
80
NEUVE CHAPELLE [mar. roTH, I9I5
(Lieut.-Colonel G.B. McAndrew) on the left. The 23rd
Brigade assaulted north of the 25th. The 2nd Rifle Brigade
was to pass through the Royal Berkshire to the 2nd objective,
the road along the east edge of the village, and the 1st Royal
Irish Rifles through the 2nd Lincolnshire, prolonging the line
of the second objective from the left of the Rifle Brigade.
At this period almost all the houses in the village were in ruins,
but the remains of the walls provided good cover. The northern
side of the village was wooded and an important feature was the
triangle of roads, where the enemy had mounted a number of
machine-guns. The enemy's front-line trenches were heavily
wired, though he suffered from the same disabilities as his oppo-
nents from the soft ground, and in wet weather his defences were
flooded with water. East of the village and between the latter
and the Bois de Biez (a large wood) was a small watercourse —
the River des Layes.
The British front-line trenches (B Lines) lay east of the Rue
Tilleloy, and consisted mostly of breastworks, from which com-
munication trenches led back to another breastwork line imme-
diately east of the road.
For the first time during the war the enemy's wire entangle-
ments were to be cut by artillery fire. The guns were to open
at 7.30 a.m., thirty-five minutes being allotted to the first phase
of the bombardment, during which 1 8-pounders, firing shrapnel,
were to cut passages through the wire while other guns were to
shell the hostile trenches to be attacked, as well as selected areas.
At 8.5 a.m., the guns were to lift their fire from the enemy's
forward trenches to the village and strong points north and south.
Then 9.2-in. and the 6-in. howitzers were to concentrate on the
village, whilst 1 8-pounders and 13-pounders put down a screen
of fire east of Neuve Chapelle. The second bombardment was
to last thirty minutes. About three hundred and fifty guns were
to take part, whilst for the first time the huge 15-in. howitzer
(known as " Granny "), firing from Sailly-Labourse, was to give
the signal for the attack. The infantry were to attack at 8.5
a.m., when the artillery lifted off the enemy's front-line trenches.
The 2nd Battalion, billeted in La Gorgue on the 1st March,
spent several days before the battle, not only in supplying working
parties to dig assembly trenches in the orchard behind B Lines,
in front of Neuve Chapelle, but also in practising the clearing,
filling-in and blocking of trenches. At 8 p.m. on the 9th March
they marched out of billets at La Gorgue for B Lines, from which
they were to attack on the following morning. C and D Com-
panies took over the first (or firing) line, i.e., the permanent
trench or breastworks, with A and B about one hundred and fifty
yards in rear in assembly trenches. Landmarks were pointed
g 81
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
out to company commanders the night before. Some very tall
poplar trees gave a definite objective to the Lincolnshire on their
right.
During the evening the Corps Commander (Lieut.-General Sir
H. Rawlinson) issued the following Special Order to the troops :
" The attack which we are about to undertake is of the first
importance to the Allied cause. The Army and the Nation are
watching the result and Sir John French is confident that every
individual in the IV. Corps will do his duty and inflict a crush-
ing defeat on the German VII. Corps which is opposed to us."
During the night rain and occasional snow fell, while the
troops were moving to their assembly positions. Dawn on the
ioth March broke cold, wet and misty, but by about 6.30 a.m.
the weather showed signs of improvement. It was as well,
otherwise aerial reconnaissance and artillery observation would
have been almost impossible.
The 2nd Lincolnshire (Lieut.-Colonel G.B. McAndrew, com-
manding) as the hour for the attack approached were disposed
as follows : C Company (Captain H.St.G. Eagar) on the right,
in the front trench and breastworks ; D Company (Captain R.
Bastard) on the left in similar trenches ; A Company (Captain
Littleton) was in support of C ; and B Company (Major S.Fitz.G.
Cox) supported D in the assembly trench.
At 7.30 a.m., the solitary boom of a great gun broke the
silence — it was " Granny " giving the signal for the bombard-
ment to begin. Immediately the air was rent by a terrible
crash as the guns opened fire on the enemy's wire entanglements
and trenches. In a few minutes the hostile entanglements, which
varied from six to fifteen yards in depth and consisted of two
or three rows of ' knife rests ' with strands of thick barbed wire
wound round the frames and pulled tight between them, were
blown to bits along the whole front, with the exception of a
stretch of four hundred yards on the left. The German front-
line trenches were practically obliterated, killed and wounded
being buried beneath the debris or flung about, horribly muti-
lated.
At 8.5 a.m. the artillery lifted on to the village and a general
line of about three hundred yards east of the front line. The
infantry assault then began.
Whilst the Lincolnshire watched the destruction of the
enemy's wire and trenches, they suffered considerable casualties
from our own guns, and it was a relief when, as the guns lifted,
C and D Companies clambered up and over their breastworks,
using small ladders, which had been specially constructed and
placed in position the previous evening. Led by Captains Eagar
and Bastard, the two companies rushed across No Man's Land.
82
NEUVE CHAPELLE [mA r. 10 th, i 9I5
They were met by a pretty hot rifle-fire from those Germans
who emerged from cover to meet the expected British infantry
attack. A machine-gun was still in action, served by two wounded
German officers.
Captain Bastard was first into the enemy's trenches, followed
closely by Captain C.G.W. Peake, and his blocking party, whose
instructions were to block the German trench at Sign Post Lane
until touch with the 23rd Brigade had been established. Hold-
ing a blue flag (a distinguishing mark adopted for blocking
NEUVE CHAPELLE
parties) in the air, Captain Peake, followed by his men, rushed
up a trench on the left, driving about thirty Germans before him.
G.S. grenades were flung at these Germans who, running out of
a trench to their rear, endeavoured to escape. But their pursuers
cut off their line of retreat with more bombs and troops of the
23rd Brigade having come up on the left of the Lincolnshire,
the hostile troops were forced to surrender. It was at this
moment that Captain Peake, having ordered a German officer
who had surrendered to take off his equipment, turned his face
for a moment to speak to an n.c.o. The German thereupon
fired twice with his revolver at Captain Peake, killing him. He
was however, quickly avenged, for with angry shouts, the dead
officer's men bayoneted the German. The whole of the enemy's
front-line trenches along the battalion front had been gained
with only a loss of about twenty men.
83
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
Meanwhile A and B Companies had followed close on the
heels of C and D and entered the German lines. The enemy
now appeared to be in full retreat. Greatly elated at their
success the Lincolnshire pushed on over the hostile communica-
tion trenches towards their objective. Even the wounded tried
hard to follow up their comrades. One n.c.o. (Lance-Corporal
Perry), who had been badly hit in the foot, was ordered three
times to sit down and take cover, but although hampered by a
Barr and Stroud range-finder, which he had been detailed to
carry, he still insisted on rallying his men and in other ways doing
good work.
It was between the first and second German lines that the
2nd Lincolnshire sustained a great loss. Their Commanding
Officer, Lieut-Colonel G.B. McAndrew, fell mortally wounded :
his right leg had been practically blown off by a shell. As he
lay dying this very gallant officer asked to be lifted up that
he might see his battalion advancing. " He died," records the
Battalion Diary, " asking after his Regiment, without any com-
plaint of the pain he was suffering."
The forward line, consisting now of C and D Companies
reinforced by some of A Company, continued to advance until
they reached what the records describe as a " broad strip of
water running right down our front. This water was about
four to five feet deep and impassable." This must have been a
dyke. A plank was found and the water temporarily bridged,
enabling the men to pass over and form a firing line on the
opposite side. The Germans were discovered about one hundred
and fifty yards in front, taking cover behind a hedge from the
fire of British guns. The Lincolnshire opened fire and the
enemy retired. But now, unfortunately, the British shells sud-
denly began falling short. Those of the battalion on the far
side of the dyke had to retire fifty yards. In this enforced retire-
ment Lieutenants A.W. Wylie and JJ. Billiat are mentioned as
showing great command over their men in getting them back
without any material harm.
A discussion then took place between the officers and the con-
clusion they arrived at was that it was better to retire across the
water obstacle and entrench. This was accomplished, though
just before the movement took place, enfilade fire was observed
from the left rear and Lieutenant Wylie was hit in the stomach. 1
His wounds were dressed and he was left in a shell-hole.
West of the dyke the Lincolnshire formed up on a slight rise.
A few minutes later the Royal Irish Rifles passed through, the
Lincolnshire cheering them lustily. " Captain Graham," states
the narrative, " was rallying his men with a French newsboy's
J-Shot by a sniper Jn British uniform.
84
NEUVE CHAPELLE [MAR . ioth, i 9 i 5
horn, giving a ' View Hulloa ' occasionally, just as a master
collects his pack." The Irishmen passed over the water as the
Lincolnshire had done. Major Fitz.G. Cox, and some of the
Lincolnshire of his company were with the Irish at their final
objective, and he was ordered to assist their Commanding Officer,
and a Royal Engineer officer to consolidate their position. The
battalion then crossed the water obstacle again and began to dig
a trench behind it, a report being sent back to Major Howley
that this was being done. The Adjutant (Captain E.P. Lloyd)
having been wounded, Captain Impey was ordered to take over
his duties.
The enemy's fire having died down, the reorganization of
companies took place, and on the night ioth/uth the 2nd
Lincolnshire were disposed as follows : C Company on the right,
D on the left, in trenches dug by the battalion ; A and B Com-
panies were in support in what had been the German second-line
trenches. The Berkshire were on the right and troops of the
23rd Brigade on the left of the Lincolnshire. In front, and
holding the village to the left, were the Rifle Brigade on the
right and the Royal Irish Rifles on the left, the battalion sup-
porting the latter. Roll call that night revealed a heavy casualty
list, especially in officers. 1
The general results of the operation on 1 oth March were the
capture of the German defences from the Port Arthur Salient to
just beyond the Moated Grange, i.e., a front of about four
thousand yards. Neuve Chapelle village was captured and held
and the British line advanced to a depth of about one thousand
two hundred yards.
During the night ioth/i ith the opposing forces continued to
consolidate their positions. Just before midnight, orders were
received for the attack to be continued on the nth ; the line
La Cliqueterie Farm-La Plouich-Rouge Bancs was given as the
objective of the 7th and 8 th Divisions.
Throughout the hours of darkness the Lincolnshire stretcher-
bearers worked hard at bringing in the wounded, though only
two stretchers were available : the records speak gratefully of
the assistance lent by two bearers of the Irish Rifles who worked
for the battalion.
In the small hours of the 1 ith A and B Companies were moved
up in close support of the Royal Irish Rifles. At about 5 a.m.
the battalion was collected in some trenches to the left rear : the
23 rd Infantry Brigade had received orders to take over the 25th
1 Officers killed : Lieut.-Colonel G. McAndrew, Captain C.G.W. Peake, Lieutenants
F.D. Montague and A.W. Wylie, and 2nd Lieutenant E.C.H. Webb. Officers wounded :
Captains W.F.G. Wiseman, H.St.G. Eagar, E.F.O. Richards, E.P. Lloyd and Batten
(Royal Fusiliers, attached), 2nd Lieutenant Needham, and the Battalion Medical Officer,
Lieutenant Canon, Royal Army Medical Corps.
85
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
Brigade line and support the 24th Brigade, which was to launch
the attack of the 8 th Division. On relief, all battalions of the
25th Brigade were told to assemble independently and take
advantage of all available cover. Thus the 2nd Lincolnshire
assembled behind the Royal Irish Rifles. Battalion Head-
quarters were in a trench in rear of C and D Companies, just
south of the point where the Armentieres road crosses Signpost
Lane.
At 8.55 a.m. Major Howley, the Acting Adjutant, Lieutenant
Impey and Headquarters Staff were sitting in this trench, when
there was a sudden flash. A shell came through the parapet of
the trench, hitting Major Howley in the back and killing him
instantly, the Adjutant was knocked over, and Private Atterby
blown clean out of the trench.
Major S.Fitz.G. Cox now took command of the battalion,
which by 10 a.m. had been moved about two hundred yards
farther back, to the trench occupied by A and B Companies the
previous night. All day long the Lincolnshire remained in this
position, at one time for two hours under heavy shell-fire, describ-
ed as " horribly exact."
At about 12.15 communication with Brigade Headquarters
having failed, Major Cox decided to move the battalion into
Neuve Chapelle in support of the Royal Irish Rifles. Through
a pretty hot fire the Lincolnshire proceeded up the road and
eventually got into the village and found shelter amongst the
ruins. The Royal Irish Rifles were then engaged with the
enemy in front, but although A Company was sent up in close
support of the Rifles, the Lincolnshire were not engaged.
Throughout the night nth/i2th they remained in the village,
but early on the latter date returned to their original German
trench.
The renewed attack by the British on the nth failed to make
any material progress. On the 1 2 th the Germans launched their
counter-attack, but similarly they gained little. The Lincoln-
shire Diary records that the battalion remained in its trenches
" all that day and the night (i 2th /13th) " ; forward Battalion
Headquarters were with C Company. That night, at about
8 p.m., Captain C.G.V. Wellesley rejoined the Battalion (he had
been ill and away from it). He was coming up with the
ration party when a shrapnel shell pitched into it, mortally
wounding the officer and twelve other ranks about thirty yards
from Battalion Headquarters : Captain Wellesley died about
one and a half hours later.
The night of the 12th, however, saw the last of the battle, the
opposing forces consolidating their line. The Lincolnshire car-
ried out several reliefs, but there is little more of interest to relate,
86
TRENCH WARFARE, YPRES [ja N .-apr., l9is
and on the 17th the battalion moved to a reserve position on the
Tilleloy road.
The Battle of Neuve Chapelle cost the 2nd Lincolnshire the
loss of seven officers killed, eight wounded, and two hundred and
ninety-eight other ranks killed and wounded. In this, their first
great battle of the war, they had fought splendidly. The intre-
pidity shown by the battalion and by their comrades, the Berk-
shires, was one of the main features in the success of the initial
attack, which the Brigadier (in his report") stated " dashed forward
gallantly."
Ill
TRENCH WARFARE, YPRES, I915
During January, and part of February, the ist Lincolnshire
were in a comparatively quiet part of the line east of Kemmel.
On the 8 th February Lieut.-Colonel Smith, who had suffered
for some time from an injury to his foot, was obliged to go on
leave for treatment, and Major Lancelot Edwards took command
of the battalion. He retained it, with the exception of a few
days, until he was mortally wounded on the 5th April, as Lieut.-
Colonel Smith, after his return from leave, was appointed, on
the 25th March, to command the 80th Brigade. " We shall
miss him very much in the regiment although he has been with
us less than a year. He is a wonderful Commanding Officer."
(Major Edwards' Diary.)
On the 17th February the battalion, with the rest of the 9th
Brigade, was ordered to Ypres to relieve troops in that area.
Two other brigades were ordered up at the same time to take
the place of a division which needed a rest. The Lincolnshire
moved into their new trenches on the 21st. B Company
(Captain Boys) found theirs to be a thoroughly untenable ditch,
up to the knees in mud and water. The Germans at one point
were actually in the same trench, an interval of fifteen yards
separating the Lincolnshire and the Germans, with traverses
between. In places the Germans were actually in rear, and
sentries had to be posted to the rear as well as to the front.
B Company held the left of the line, and C Company (Captain
Grantham) the right on the Bluff. B Company lost eleven
men killed (shot through the head) in the first half-hour, and later
a German raid took place in rear of our trench. The Lincoln-
shire set to work with a will to improve the line, and the Germans
made no more attempts to shoot our men in the back. When
the battalion was relieved, our line was like a fortress.
87
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
There were many casualties on the Bluff, which the
Germans attacked with artillery, trench-mortars and snipers.
Captain Grantham was killed on the 27th February by a shell
when in a shelter, to the great grief of all who knew him. He
was a great loss to the battalion.
About the middle of March the battalion was moved to the
" Hill 60 " secftor, when the Germans on the 14th blew in a
portion of the line, and A Company (Major Boxer) did the
work of supermen in rebuilding the defences.
The next tour on 2nd April was near St. Eloi, with the 3rd
Division, in the most exposed part of the line for miles. Here
Major Edwards and Captain Phillips were mortally wounded.
On the 5th April, when Major Edwards was hit, he went across
the open to see for himself the conditions in daylight. It was
a miracle he was not killed in the open, as there was no com-
munication trench, but he was hit as soon as he reached the front
trench. He died on the 1 5th April in No. 7 General Hospital.
A brother officer writes : " Major Edwards' spirit, devotion to
duty and self-denial were most marked through these trying
periods. It was the bitterest of blows to us that he should have
been mortally hit as he was making his final arrangements to
master the Germans."
The -period referred to above has been described by the same
officer as the most trying he experienced whilst serving with the
battalion. The brigade, and the battalion, were moved from
one danger spot to another, kept in each till we gained complete
mastery over the enemy, before we were transferred somewhere
else to repeat the process.
Major Greatwood, who was wounded on the Aisne in Sep-
tember, rejoined the battalion on the 23rd March. 1
IV
THE BATTLES. OF YPRES, I9I5
The area of the Battles of Ypres 1 9 1 5 extended from the
Comines-Ypres Canal as far as Voormezeele, thence along the
road to Vlamertinghe Chateau, Elverdinghe Chateau, Boesinghe
l The casualties of the ist Battalion in the trenches near Ypres between the 14th December,
1914, and the 22nd April, 1915, were : killed (or died of wounds) three officers (Major
Ed-wards, Captains E.M. Grantham, and J.N. Phillips) ; thirty-eight other ranks.
Wounded : six officers (Lieutenant E.W. Wales, 2nd Lieutenants H. Ingoldby, H.C.
Disbrovre, M.D. Wilson, T.G. Newbury and A.J. Gilby) ; one hundred and eighty-nine
other ranks. One other rank missing.
88
THE BATTLES OF YPRES [A pr.- june , I9 r 5
and Langemarck. 1 On the 22nd April, the 1st Lincolnshire
relieved the 1st Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, of the 5th
Division, in front-line trenches astride the Comines-Ypres Canal :
the battalion was on the extreme right flank of the battle area,
where trench warfare of a more or less violent character was in
progress. The battalion occupied these trenches for about five
weeks, an unusually long period for any battalion to hold the
front-line without relief. Major D.H.F. Grant commanded it
during this period, after Major Edwards was mortally wounded
on the 5 th April
The Cornwalls were then holding the right sub-sector of the
14th Brigade. The 5th Division lost heavily in the attack on
Hill 60, and therefore the 9th Brigade was ordered to take over
some of the trenches of the 14th Brigade. The relief took place
about 10 p.m., three companies of the Lincolnshire occupying
fire trenches and immediate support trenches on the southern
side of the Canal, as well as posts on both sides. The fourth
company, with Battalion Headquarters, occupied dug-outs near
Lankhof Chateau, about one thousand yards away on the northern
bank.
The Canal at this period, owing to fine weather, although
swampy in places, was sufficiently dry to permit the building of
a barrier across it, the posts on the bank being on either side.
During the gas attack on the northern extremity of the Ypres
salient, everything was very quiet on the Lincolnshire front.
The edge of the gas wave reached them on the canal bank, rather
a pleasant odour, and they wondered what it was. A heavy duel
between the opposing artillery, continuous rifle fire and a violent
bombardment of Ypres during the night, was also noted.
The enemy's front line was from one hundred and thirty to
three hundred yards distant from the Lincolnshire trenches, the
approaches to the latter being over open ground for about six
hundred yards, exposed to hostile rifle-fire. The hostile rifle-
fire caused on an average two casualties to each company during
every relief during the five weeks. The first night was spent in
work on the defences, which were badly in need of repair. Much
good work was done in improving these trenches, which were
sited at the bottom of a hill, out of reach of the German artillery,
in most of the front-line sectors. Digging was impossible, as
the water lay within a foot of the ground surface, so breastworks
had to be built above ground.
The 23rd was cold and- windy. The situation in the front
line was reported as quiet, but another violent artillery duel
1 These are the boundaries laid down in the Report of the Batdes Nomenclature Com-
mittee, and within which British troops operated : the French area extended as far north
as Steenstraat.
89
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
between the opposing guns lasted all day. During the afternoon
heavy rifle-fire was heard on the left of the battalion and Ypres
was again undergoing continuous bombardment.
Dawn next morning brought with it sounds of violent gun-fire
and rifle-fire from north-east of Ypres — the beginning of the
Battle of St. Julien. At night an officer's patrol reconnoitred
the enemy's wire entanglements and threw four grenades into
the German trenches.
The 25th passed similarly. On the 26th the records state :
" Engagement north-east of Ypres has been in progress during
day and night. Two officers — 2nd Lieutenant L.T. Brook and
Lieutenant and Quartermaster F.W. Masters — were wounded,"
and Sergeant-Drummer Stevens was killed on 27 th.
April merged into May with little to report but the volume of
artillery-fire, mostly on the left flank. No mention of gas occurs
in the Brigade records until the 2nd of the latter month, when
mouth gags, soaked in solution of soda and water were issued
to the battalion as a precaution against asphyxiating gas enemy
were using. But during the afternoon and evening of the 5th a
tell-tale mist was observed floating from the direction of the
German trenches towards the Lincolnshire ; it was poison gas.
Mouth gags were hurriedly adjusted and sprays containing a
solution of carbonate of soda were brought into use to counteract
the effects of the noxious gases. None of the Lincolnshire appear
to have been affected by the gas, but it was sufficiently strong at
Dickebusch Chateau to kill a horse belonging to the artillery.
Day by day the opposing guns shelled each other mercilessly
or turned their attention to the front-line trenches, blowing
parapets down and generally creating chaos. Ypres was on fire
for days, and till now was said to be full of civilians, who were
evacuated during the terrific artillery duels that took place.
Ypres burning by night was one of the most magnificent and
saddest sights seen during the war. Through it all a gradual
ascendancy over the German infantry was making itself felt.
> With rifle and machine-gun fire, which held him to his trenches
with bombs skilfully thrown into his fire bays, by constantly
harassing his working parties so that they hardly dared to venture
from their trenches, by patrolling No Man's Land, so that hostile
patrols dare not show their faces, and by blowing up his strong
points, in such ways did the Lincolnshire gradually subdue the
energies of the Germans opposed to them. One instance which
shows how completely impotent the enemy had become may be
quoted. After darkness had fallen on the 15th May a party of
n.c.o.s and men went out in front of the trenches to remove
some growing crops which were obstructing the field of fire.
They successfully carried out this work and returned without
90
AUBERS RIDGE [may 9™, 1915
suffering a single casualty — an impossibility had the enemy been
on the alert or possessed the fighting spirit of the battalion.
And yet in spite of the inactivity of the opposing infantry the
Lincolnshire suffered many casualties from artillery, trench-
mortar and rifle and machine-gun fire, for the thirty-five days in
the trenches cost the battalion eight officers 1 and one hundred
and twenty-five other ranks. These casualties were chiefly
caused in the support and reserve lines and during reliefs. The
front line suffered only from trench-mortars, and perpetual rifle-
grenade-fire. Trench mortars were only in their infancy at this
time, but the Germans had a few, and we had none, though we
had a few stick bombs and rifle-grenades.
Until the 26th May the Lincolnshire held these trenches, but
on that date they were relieved by the 2nd King's Own Scottish
Borderers, and marched back to billets in Ouderdom.
The battalion had a tour in the trenches, where there was a good
deal of fighting, in the neighbourhood of Hooge and Zouave
Wood, between the 1st and 5th June. The Lincolnshire were
in support of the 6th Cavalry Brigade. Their casualties were
Lieutenant J.W. Harris, and ten other ranks killed, and 2nd
Lieutenant T.R. Hammond, ninety-one other ranks wounded
and nineteen missing. On the 5th June the battalion was with-
drawn to Brandhoek, four miles west of Ypres, until it was moved
to the front again to take part in the attack on Bellewaarde.
On the 9th June the following received the Distinguished
Conduct Medal : Sergeants W. Kirk and W. Coulson, Lance-
Corporals A. Brownley and G. Williams, Privates C.F. Smith
and N. Mum by. Major H.E.R. Boxer took command of the
battalion on the 27th May, and Major F.W. Greatwood was
transferred to the 2nd Battalion.
V
THE BATTLE OP AUBERS RIDGE : <?TH MAY, I915
The conversations between the French and British High
Commands, which preceded the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, were
resumed after it, and resulted in a plan for a simultaneous attack
by the French Tenth Army, and the British First Army. The
1 In addition to the names already given, the following officers' casualties (all wounded)
were reported— and Lieutenant L.T.W.S. Bower (1 /$ /15), 2nd Lieutenant S.H. Jeudwine
(n / 5 /i 5 ), Lieutenant R.W. Cave-Orme (16 /$ /15), Lieutenant H. Marshall (34 /$ /15),
Lieutenant G.W.H. Applin (25 Js /15), 2nd Lieutenant H.H.St. Tufton (z6 /s /15).
91
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
objective of the former, the Vimy Ridge, and of the latter, the
road to Lille, between La Bassee to Fourmes. 1
The right attack of the British First Army was carried out by
the I. Corps, and the Indian Corps south of Neuve Chapelle,
and the left attack by the IV. Corps, 7th and 8th Divisions,
north of Neuve Chapelle. The general idea of the first movement
was the forcing of a breach in the German defences at two points
six thousand yards apart, followed by a convergent advance of
the I. and Indian Corps eastwards, and of the IV. Corps
south-eastwards .
The 8 th Division furnished the brigades for the assault ; the
24th Brigade on the right, and the 25th Brigade (Brigadier-
General Lowry Cole) on the left. The 25th Brigade, in addition
to the regular battalions of the Lincolnshire, Royal Berkshire,
Royal Irish Rifles and Rifle Brigade, now included the 1st and
13th Battalions of the London Regiment. The front of the
Brigade was marked on the right by the Sailly-Fromelles road,
which divided it from the 24th Brigade, and on the left by a road
which ran from La Cordonnerie Farm past Delangre Farm. The
length of the front was about seven hundred yards.
The width of No Man's Land opposite the 25th Brigade,
averaged only one hundred yards from the front British trench or
breastwork, to the German wire. A distance of four hundred
yards separated the two assaults of the 25th Brigade. The right
assault was carried out by the 2nd Rifle Brigade, and 1st Royal
Irish Rifles, supported by the 2nd Royal Berkshire, and 2nd
Lincolnshire, and the left assault by the 1 3th London Regiment.
The assault was preceded by bombardment of the German de-
fences by our artillery, but was not as successful as anticipated.
{See Official History, Vol IF, Chapter I.)
The 2nd Lincolnshire (Major S.FitzG. Cox commanding)
were in billets at Sailly when, on the 7th May, orders for the
attack reached them and were issued to companies. At 1 1 p.m.
on the 8 th the battalion left billets and marched down the Sailly-
Fromelles road to its assembly trenches, which were near Rue
Petillon. Here companies formed up ready for the attack to
take place on the following morning. A (Captain E.W. French)
and B (Captain J.A.A. Griffin) Companies were in the front line
with C (Captain B.J. Thruston) and D immediately behind.
The battalion was on the left of the second (or support) line,
with the Royal Irish Rifles in front.
By 2 a.m. on the 9th, the 25th Brigade (less the 1 3th Londons)
was formed up in assembly trenches opposite the section of the
enemy's line to be attacked : the 13th Londons were four
1 Official History, Vol. IV, p. 2. See also page 29 et seq. for detaib of the attack of the
8th Division.
92
AUBERS RIDGE [may 9TH, 1915
hundred yards to the left, where two mines were to be exploded.
The forming-up operations were carried out by night, the orderly
assembly of the troops being a remarkable piece of work by the
Brigade Staff. At 5 a.m., the guns opened fire on the German
trenches and for forty minutes pounded his defences and blew
the wire entanglements in front of them to bits.
At 5.40 a.m., the guns lifted and the leading lines of the 2nd
Rifle Brigade and Royal Irish Rifles advanced to the attack, the
AUBERS RIDGE
2nd Lincolnshire following close in rear of the Irishmen. The
enemy's artillery at once opened heavy fire on the advancing
troops, while his machine-guns and riflemen subjected the
attacking columns to a storm of bullets from both flanks. The
Rifle Brigade and Royal Irish Rifles lost heavily. Nevertheless,
with great gallantry, the leading companies stormed the German
breastwork, though it was practically undamaged, and pressed
on to their first objective, the bend of the Fromelles road, two
hundred yards beyond.
The supporting battalions moved forward as the leading
battalions crossed No Man's Land, but as the enemy recovered
from the effects of the British bombardment his rifle and machine-
gun fire from the flanks became more intense and the casualties
more numerous.
93
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
. The leading companies of the Lincolnshire (A and B) got as
far as the German breastwork, but from that point further advance
was impossible. Before this position was reached 2nd Lieuten-
ants G.E. Ayres and R.D.M. Nisbet had been killed and 2nd
Lieutenants H.G.E. Clifford and E.H. Hind wounded.
C and D Companies had by this time reached the British
parapet. The Brigadier (Brigadier-General A.W.G. Lowry
Cole) then ordered the 2nd Lincolnshire (Major S.Fitz.G. Cox),
who still had two companies in hand, to get across by the mine
craters and work down towards the 2nd Rifle Brigade (the mines
in the meantime had been exploded and the crater occupied by
the 13th Londons), and after gaining possession of the German
trench, to join up with the left of the 2nd Rifle Brigade. This
order was given personally by the Brigadier, who had arrived in
the front line in order to be in close touch with the situation.
He had, however, barely given the order, when " a number of
men of the Rifle Brigade and Irish Rifles were seen streaming
back over the German breastwork bringing with them the other
two companies of the 2nd Lincolnshire." (Official History, Vol. IF,
p. 36.) Some unauthorized person had given the order to retire
with the result that a general movement back from the enemy's
trenches began.
For a few minutes confusion ensued. There were shouts of
a counter-attack, caused by the sight of several German prisoners
seen running for cover in the British lines : the Brigadier, in
order to stop the retirement, sprang on to the parapet and by
voice and gesture succeeded in arresting and turning the troops.
By his courageous action and fine example he gained control of
the situation, but all attempts to resume the advance were im-
possible in face of a murderous fire which was now sweeping
No Man's Land. The General was still standing on the parapet
encouraging and urging his men on when he fell mortally
wounded, and died shortly afterwards.
The Commanding Officer of the 2nd Rifle Brigade was the
next senior Officer, but he was with the remnants of his battalion
in the German lines. Major Cox of the 2nd Lincolnshire
therefore temporarily assumed command of the 25th Brigade,
Major H.E.R. Boxer taking over command of the battalion.
In the meantime the two companies of the Lincolnshire,
ordered forward by General Lowry Cole before he was shot, suc-
cessfully pushed through to the German lines, to the west of the
1 3th Londons. The story of the 2nd Lincolnshire during the
battle centres from this point almost entirely round C and D
Companies.
Captain BJ. Thruston (commanding C Company) went for-
ward with the left party. He sent on first a blocking and bomb-
94
CORPORAL SHARPE WINS V.C. [mat^h,*^
ing party under 2nd Lieutenant E.O. Black. This gallant young
officer succeeded in gaining the German trench and in clearing
three hundred yards to the west, but his supply of bombs failed
and he could go no further. The remainder of the party, follow-
ing close behind Lieutenant Black, came under a very heavy fire
from their right and left front, especially from the latter. Cap-
tain Thruston, seeing this, gave instructions for a bombing party
of the Scottish Rifles 1 to go forward and clear the trench to the
east of the mine crater. This they did.
By 9 a.m., men were being dribbled across to occupy, and put
into a state of defence, the trench so cleared, but it was a perilous
business and only a small proportion of those sent out reached
their objective, the others being shot down. At one period
Captain Thruston located two German machine-guns firing from
beyond the crater and collecting five machine-guns, quickly
silenced the enemy's guns. At 10.30 a.m. he reported that he
was in possession of the German trench to the west of the mine
crater and was awaiting further orders, but so great was the diffi-
culty in communicating with him, owing to the ground between
the opposing trenches being swept by enfilade machine-gun fire
from hostile trenches further north-east (untouched by our guns),
that it was 4 p.m. before an order could be got through to him
directing him to bring his party back. Even then it was im-
possible for him to move during daylight and not until four hours
later (8 p.m.) could he begin to retire. He had, however,
scarcely begun to move when from the flanks and rear he was
attacked by the enemy. Hurling their bombs and with shouts
the Germans tried to close in on his flanks and rear. Others
poured out from the crater on his left front. Seeing his desperate
situation and being without machine-guns or bombs, he ordered
his men to get back to their own parapet as best they could.
Many succeeded, but others fell, amongst them 2nd Lieutenant
Black, who, first reported missing, was subsequently found to
have been killed.
Another party of A Company under Captain French (formerly
under Major Boxer), who had apparently been lying out all day
in No Man's Land, also withdrew to their own trenches under
cover of darkness. Many gallant actions took place during that
day of hard fighting and fortunately it is possible to preserve
them as examples of the spirit of the Regiment under great trial.
The first is that of Corporal Charles Sharpe, who gained the
highest honour obtainable by a soldier — the Victoria Cross^ (inci-
dentally the first gained by the Lincolnshire Regiment in the
Great War).
1 The 33rd Infantry Brigade had been asked for assistance and support for the 13th
Londons, and the and Scottish Rifles had been sent up.
95
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
Corporal Sharpe was in charge of a small blocking party sent
forward to take a portion of the trench. " He was the first to
reach the enemy's position and using bombs with great deter-
mination and effect, he himself cleared them out of a trench fifty
yards long. By this time all his party had fallen and he was then
joined by four other men, with whom he attacked the enemy
again with bombs, and captured a further trench two hundred
and fifty yards long." {Extract from citation in the London Gazette
of 29th June^ 1 9 1 5.) Privates D. Bills, W. Donderdale and J.F.
Leeman were each awarded the D.C.M. for going to Corporal
Sharpe's assistance.
Sergeant Brocklesby took command of a party of men who
were lying exposed to extremely heavy rifle-fire and machine-
gun flanking fire, and by his example and bravery succeeded in
leading them forward and reinforcing a party in front already in
possession of a German trench. He was severely wounded, but
richly deserved the D.C.M. awarded to him. Another n.c.o.
— Sergeant S. Clarke — gained a similar honour for leading his
platoon to the German trenches in support of another regiment,
losing heavily in so doing. Later on he went out under fire and
cut the German barbed wire, thereby enabling the troops to
retire.
Private W. Cowling covered the retirement of a number of
men by holding up the enemy in a hand-to-hand fight. He
killed several and although his rifle was ultimately torn out of his
hands, he made good his escape : he also was awarded the
D.C.M.
The action for which Private G. Kirby earned the D.C.M.
was in the mine crater in which fifteen wounded and about one
hundred other men were taking cover. The Germans threw a
lighted bomb into the crater, but before it could burst Kirby
picked it up and threw it out again.
When darkness fell on the 9th May the 25th Brigade was
relieved by the 23rd Brigade and moved back to the Croix Blanche
area. The 2nd Lincolnshire reaching billets in Bac St. Maur at
2 a.m. on the 10th of May.
The losses of the 2nd Battalion in the Battle of Aubers Ridge
were heavy. To the list of those officers who had been killed or
wounded already mentioned, the names of Lieutenant H.M.
Goldsmith (killed) and 2nd Lieutenant P.H. Parker (wounded)
must be added : in other ranks the battalion lost twenty-eight
killed and died of wounds, one hundred and seventy-two
wounded, and seventy-seven missing.
So far as the general results are concerned, the Battle must be
written down as a failure, due not to any lack of courage, dogged
determination and resolution on the part of the troops concerned,
96
BELLEWAARDE [JUNE l6TH , I$1S
but to the strength of the enemy's positions, which were much
more powerful than had been anticipated. Bomb-proof shelters,
twenty-foot thick breastworks, had resisted much of the British
artillery-fire and enabled the Germans to man their parapets and
meet the assaulting troops with a deadly machine-gun and rifle-
fire, whilst against the stream of bullets which swept No Man's
Land, and not only No Man's Land, from the flanks, it was
impossible to make headway.
All honour to the gallant fellows who had fought their way
into the enemy's trenches : which in itself was no small achieve-
ment.
VI
THE FIRST ATTACK ON BELLEWAARDE : l6TH JUNE, 1915
Between the Menin road and the Ypres-Roulers railway the
German trenches formed a salient : they were the high-water
mark of the enemy's advance during the Battles of Ypres 19 15.
Behind his front line lay the Bellewaarde Ridge and the Lake, the
former giving him excellent observation over the British defences.
At the southern extremity of this salient Hooge, battered and
ruined, lay between the opposing trenches. Just south of the
Ypres-Roulers railway the eastern edges of Railway Wood were
held by the Germans and the western edges by the British, whose
line from Hooge ran along the southern side of the Menin road
to just east of the Birr Cross Roads, thence parallel to and east
of Cambridge Road to the angle formed by the road and the
railway. A minor operation was planned by the V. Corps
(Lieut.-General Sir E. Allenby), to improve the position by the
capture of the ridge, which would deprive the enemy of observa-
tion, and at the same time straighten out the re-entrant in the
British line between Hooge and Railway Wood ; the actual
assault was entrusted to the 7th and 9th Brigades of the 3rd
Division, On the front of attack the enemy's trenches were
about fifty yards distant in the centre and about two hundred on
the flanks. To save the troops from being heavily shelled whilst
waiting for the attack, the ground being under observation by the
enemy, it was decided to attack at dawn.
From the 6th to the 15th, preparations were made for the
operations and the 1st Lincolnshire, with other units of the 9th
Brigade, practised the attack. In view of the use of gas by the
enemy, special attention was paid during this training to anti-gas
devices. A new pattern smoke helmet, in addition to the some-
what primitive respirator then in use, was issued to each man.
h 97
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
This new device took the form of a hood made of grey flannel
with a celluloid window. It fitted over the head, the end of the
hood being tucked in the neck of the man's tunic. Thus only
the air within the helmet could be breathed. The hood itself
was kept damp with a solution of hyposulphate of soda, the air
passing through the material being thus filtered of any poisonous
gas. The heat was so great that the helmet had to be removed
from time to time to avoid suffocation.
When the orders for the attack were received the ist Lincoln-
shire were still in bivouacs south of Brandhoek, 1 and at 4.15
p.m. on the 15th of June the battalion left them for the assembly
Westhoek
Yards
1ST ATTACK, BELLEWAARDE
trenches at the southern end of Cambridge Road. This approach
march entailed a long tramp eastwards through Kruisstraat and
Ypres and along the railway track as far as Hell Fire Corner, thence
down the Menin road to the Birr Cross Roads. By 1.15 a.m.
on the 1 6th the battalion was in position, having lost four other
ranks wounded during the march.
The attack was divided into three stages : the first objective
was the German front line ; the second the line of the road, from
Hooge to Bellewaarde Farm ; the final one the trench on the
edge of the Lake. After the first objective had been taken by
the ist Line of the 9th Brigade, the 2nd Line was to go through
it and capture the second objective, the artillery lifting from the
first objective to the second objective at a fixed hour, but remain-
ing on the second until ordered to lift.
The bombardment commenced at 2.30 a.m., and continued
with pauses until 4.15 a.m., when the artillery lifted and the ist
1 Brandhoek is on the Poperinghe-Vlamertinghe road, four and a quarter miles -west
of Ypres.
98
BELLEWAARDE
[june i6th, 1915
Line (4th Royal Fusiliers, 1st Northumberland Fusiliers, and
1 st Royal Scots Fusiliers) captured the German front line with
very little resistance. The 2nd Line consisted of the i/ioth
Liverpool Scottish and the 1st Lincolnshire. 1 What Germans
were found alive were too dazed and demoralized by the terrific
shell-fire through which they had passed to do anything but hold up
their hands and surrender, glad to get away from the terrible sight
of their dead and dying comrades and the ruin of their trenches.
The Lincolnshire rushed forward in support of the Royal
Fusiliers and reinforced their line. The attack then continued
to advance, bombing parties forcing their way along the com-
**h-*£
1ST ATTACK, BELLEWAARDE
14.«t*2—f** •
munication trench, driving the enemy at a run into his second-
line trenches.
The attack was covered on the right by rifle and machine-gun
fire from the Wiltshires of the 7th Division, who had their trenches
on the Menin road about midway between the ruins of Hooge
and the Birr Cross Roads. On the left from the railway other
troops belonging to the 6th Division assisted in a similar manner.
The Lincolnshire and the Royal Fusiliers next seized a trench
where the artillery had done its work extraordinarily well : the
barbed-wire entanglements had been destroyed and the trenches
themselves made absolutely untenable. Many dead Germans
1 Official History, Vol. IV, f. 100. The Lincolnshire were on the right of the 2nd line.
(An officer with the battalion.)
99
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
were found amidst the debris, others were taken prisoner and
passed back to the rear.
The second stage of the attack now took place. Here again
the guns had done their work admirably, for, with very few
casualties, the Lincolnshire carried the trench by 4.30 a.m.,
driving the enemy out at the point of the bayonet. The infantry
were working on a timed artillery programme, but were told that
if the opposition was not too stiff to make their objective and send
messages to the artillery to lift. When the Lincolnshire had got
through the barrage, and on and beyond the second objective,
the Commanding Officer, Lieut.-Colonel Boxer, ordered Major
Boys to get on to the final objective, the western edge of Belle-
waarde Lake, whilst he collected and turned some men who were
going to the south of the Lake. He was not seen again. The
trench at the final objective was only a split-locked trench, where
the Lincolnshire were observed by a low-flying German aero-
plane. No messages got back to our artillery, as very early after
the attack commenced all telephone wires were cut by shell-fire,
and when our guns lifted from the second objective " we got ten
minutes of the very best," supplemented by the German guns
shortly after the lift. There were many casualties, amongst them
Lieut.-Colonel Boxer, whose body was never found, in spite of
diligent search. The early morning mist, and smoke from the
shells, prevented the artillery observers seeing the flags carried
by the infantry to indicate their arrival on the various objectives
and prevented visual signalling as well.
The trenches now became crowded with men, units got mixed
up, and it became almost impossible to organize or control the
fight ; to add to the confusion, German artillery fire, very heavy
and accurate, swept the battalions of the 3rd Division from three
sides. A combat with bombs and bayonets in the network of
trenches now ensued, and swayed backwards and forwards.
About 7.30 a.m., the enemy made a definite counter-attack, which
was repulsed, and two further attempts later in the day were
broken up by fire : but at 9.30 a.m. still under heavy shell-fire,
and with no bombs left, the attackers fell back to the first line
of German trenches. 1
At about 9.30 p.m., the 4th Gordons of the 8th Brigade arrived
and began the relief of the 1st Lincolnshire, the survivors on
handing over the trenches marching back to bivouacs at Red
Wine Camp, south of Brandhoek, arriving at their destination at
5 a.m. on 1 7th June.
Many acts of gallantry were performed by all ranks of the
battalion both during the attack itself and during the subsequent
enemy bombardment. Sergeant F.J. Davis and Private E.
1 See Official History, Vol. IF, p. 100, for explanation of the cause of the confusion .
roo
ist BATTALION TRANSFERRED [N0V . i 3 th, i 9 i 5
Breeze gained D.C.M.'s for gallantry during the advance to the
second German line. The former took command of the support-
ing line of his company after all its officers had been killed or
wounded, and rushed a portion of the German second line,
capturing the trench and taking several prisoners. Private
Breeze, collecting a few men, attacked a portion of the enemy's
second line with bombs, destroyed two German machine-guns
and took twelve prisoners.
It was during the heavy bombardment that Private A.
Cresswell, on his own initiative, moved from trench to trench
dressing the wounded of all battalions, at the greatest risk to
himself, exposed as he was continually to the enemy's fire. " His
zeal and bravery were very marked " : his D.C.M. was indeed
well earned. 1
Back at Red Wine Camp, the battalion rested throughout the
17th June. At midday a roll call was taken and it was found
that the following casualties had been incurred during the
fighting on the previous day : the CO., Lieut.-Colonel H.E.R.
Boxer — first reported wounded and missing, Lieutenant F.C.
Green and 2nd Lieutenant R.O. Pearson were killed. Captains
J.R.G. Magrath, R.H. Spooner 2 and 2nd Lieutenant J.H.P.
Barret were wounded : in other ranks the losses were twenty-two
killed, three died of wounds, seventy-six missing and two
hundred and sixty-five wounded, a total of three hundred and
forty-two of all ranks.
After the attack on Bellewaarde, described above, the ist
Lincolnshire had a period in the trenches, not marked by any
action recorded on the Colours, until the ist July, 19 16, when
the Somme battles commenced. Part of this period was passed
in the Ypres theatre of operations, sometimes in the trenches at
Sanctuary Wood, where on the 30th June they were relieved by
the 4th and 5th Lincolnshire. The Diary of the ist Battalion
records the pleasure of all ranks at meeting their Territorial
Battalions. At intervals the time was spent behind the line for
rest and training. The usual record in the Diary was : " Con-
ditions on our front normal," or " All quiet," but each day there
was a tell-tale casualty list of killed and wounded.
On the 13th November, the battalion left Winnezeelke, on
transfer from the 9th Infantry Brigade to the 62nd in the 21st
Division, in which it was to serve to the end of the war. The
Brigade Commander addressed the battalion, expressing his
regret at losing it, and it marched away ajong a road lined by
cheering officers and men of the 10th Liverpool Scottish, and
1 " Private A. Cresswell and an officer of the Liverpool Scottish were the bravest
individuals I saw in action during this war." (Major de C. Boys.)
2 Captain R.H. Spooner was the famous all-England cricketer and Rugby International.
IOI
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
led by the Pipers of the 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers as far as Steen-
voorde, where the band of the 3rd Devons played the Battalion
through the village.
The object of the transfer was to stiffen the new formations
now in France with seasoned, and experienced troops from the
original divisions of the British Expeditionary Force.
The first sub-sector taken over in the new brigade was at
Houplines (one and a half miles north-west of Armentieres).
Trenches deep in water, which lay all round, and No Man's
Land dismal to contemplate.
The battalion moved to the Somme area on the 31st March,
1 9 1 6, but was out of the line to the north of Amiens engaged
on work in preparation for the intended attack on the German
positions, until towards the end of May it moved to trenches
east of Albert, opposite Fricourt, which was in German hands.
On the 4th June a raid from the " Tambour " was planned, but
had to be abandoned, as the Germans shelled it with such effect
that the commander of the raiding party, Captain K.J. Edmond-
son, and Lieutenant G.K. Stevens, and four other ranks were
killed, and seventeen wounded. During a tour in the line be-
tween the 20th and 28th June, four other ranks were killed,
four officers (Captain A.B.C. Parish, 2nd Lieutenants W.E.
Bartram, J.E.N.P. Denning, and M. Churchouse) and forty
other ranks were wounded.
The casualties between the 17th June, 19 15, and the 30th
June, 1916, were four officers killed, Captain J.D.D. Wickham,
and Lieutenant L.H. Bowen, besides those named above, and
twelve officers wounded, including those between the 20th and
28th June. The names of the other eight are : Lieutenants
H.C. Disbrowe and E.P. Nash, R.A.M.C, and 2nd Lieutenants
H.J. A. Simpson, R. Rowlatt, H.B. Duncan, C.P. Sippe, Lieu-
tenant J. Edes, 2nd Lieutenant C. Goodwood. In other ranks
the casualties were : thirty-nine killed, and three hundred and
fourteen wounded.
The Diary for July contains mention of the award of the
D.C.M. to Sergeant F.J. Davis, Private E. Breeze, and Private
A. Cressweli for gallantry near Hooge, at the first attack on
Bellewaarde, on the 16th June. Major H.E.R. Boxer's name
appeared in the London Gazette of the 23rd June for the award of
the D.S.O. a week after he was killed in action when in command
of the 1st Battalion, in the action referred to above.
102
TO THE EVE OF LOOS [ MAR .~ SE pt., i 9 i S
VII
FROM MARCH 1 9 1 5" TO THE EVE OF THE BATTLE OF LOOS : 4TH,
£TH AND 7TH BATTALIONS
On the 1 st March the 4th and 5th (T.F.) Battalions of the
Regiment disembarked at Havre. The 4th was commanded by
Lieut.-Colonel J.W. Jessop, and the 5th by Lieut.-Colonel T.E.
Sandall. Both battalions formed part of the 1 38th Brigade, 46th
Division. Two or three days were spent at the Rest Camp,
Havre, and then they travelled to Strazeele, arriving on the 9th.
The 4th and 5th Lincolnshire, between the 9th and 26th of
March, moved by stages to the front line. On arrival at Ploeg-
steert they were attached to the nth Brigade (4th Division) for
instruction in trench duties. The 4th Battalion had one man
wounded on the 27th, which appears to have been their first
casualty in France : the 5th had a man slightly wounded on the
28th and a corporal killed the day following. On the 1st of
April the 4th were in billets at Le Kirlem and the 5th at Steen-
werck. A few days later both battalions moved to Dranoutre,
and on the 9th into the front-line trenches, taking over a portion
of the defences for the first time opposite Spanbrek Mollen.
The first trenches held by a battalion always remained in the
memory, and the trenches occupied by the Lincolnshire Terri-
torials were in such a wretched condition that they remained a
nightmare in the minds of the battalion for many a month. Two
farms held by the 4th Battalion, i.e., Frenchman's and Pond
Farms, were a constant target for the enemy's artillery, and on
the 1 3th at the latter farm, 2nd Lieutenant G. Staniland and three
other ranks were killed and six wounded by shell-fire. On the
2 1st another officer of the same battalion — 2nd Lieutenant W.B.
Hirst — was killed.
The 5th Battalion Diary gives a detailed description of the
condition of the trenches taken over on the 9th. Of one, dubbed
" the worst trench of them all," it is recorded that " dead bodies
are even half exposed in the parados " — not a cheerful prospect
for troops almost fresh to trench warfare. On the 17th when
the operations at Hill 60 were in progress the 5th Lincolnshire
assisted by keeping the enemy's trenches under heavy fire.
Captain T.S. Hadfield was wounded near Frenchman's Farm on
the 19th April. On the 21st the battalion was back at Dran-
outre.
From the night of the 21st of April (the battalion being then
in the trenches) until the 14th June, the 1 /4th Lincolnshire
record little of outstanding interest.
However, a great deal of work was carried out on the defences.
103
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
Dranoutre and Locre appear to have been the principal billeting
areas. On the 1 3th of May, after first shelling the line and then
pounding it with trench-mortar bombs, the Germans sent out a
party against Gi and G2 Salients : they were easily repulsed,
leaving one dead man in Gi, On the 1st of June Lieutenant
C.H. Ellwood was killed.
On the 4th June Colonel Jessop, commanding the 4th Bat-
talion, Major Barrell and Major Cooper, left Locre and went
to Kemmel village to see Colonel Jones, commanding the 5th
Leicester, to arrange for the relief of his battalion, which was to
take place two days later, reaching the village about 12.15 p.m.
Colonel Jessop entered the Leicester Headquarters, whilst the
other two went with Major Toller of the Leicesters to inspect the
ration dump, etc.
Heavy shells began falling in the village, and one dropped
very near the Leicester Headquarters so Major Barrell and his
companions returned to ascertain if the two Colonels were safe,
and found that they had left the Headquarters as the shells had
dropped too near to be pleasant. Then, apparently, they were
caught in the open by another shell, which instantly killed
Colonel Jessop, and wounded Colonel Jones. The three chargers
of the Lincolnshire officers were killed, and the orderly was hit.
Colonel Jessop was a great personality, and his untimely death
was mourned not only by his own battalion but by the whole
brigade. He was buried at Dranoutre on the 5th June. 1
The records of the 1 /5th Battalion are more detailed than those
of the 1 /4th ; even so, there is little in them of more than ordinary
interest. One item, however, does deserve mention. Those
who went through the agonies of the trenches will know full well
the nerve-wracking tension occasioned by the knowledge that the
enemy was preparing a mine which might go up at any
moment beneath the trench in which they stood. This experi-
ence fell to the lot of the 1 /5th Lincolnshire (for the first time)
on the 26th of April. Suspicions were aroused on that date by
muffled noises beneath the trench heard by the mining officer
near Eil and confirmed on the 28th by sounds of voices under
ground. But no further mention appears in the records until
the 20th May when the inevitable result occurred : on that date
at 3 p.m. the Germans blew the mine, killing eleven men and
wounding twenty-two others of the 1 /5th Lincolnshire, four men
also being " missing, believed killed." One officer (Lieutenant
Dyson), who had been buried for fourteen hours in the debris,
was recovered at 5 a.m. on the 21st, bruised, but sound and
cheery.
The next day suspicious noises were heard by R.E. officers
1 This account was given by Major Oliver Cooper.
IO4
THE 4TH & 5TH AT YPRES [june-sept., 1915
under Eil, as if a mining charge was being placed in position.
On the 6th miners working in rear of Eil (which had been rebuilt
since the explosion) discovered an enemy sap and heard the
German sentry snoring. The R.E. then placed a charge of
i^olbs. ammonal and fired it, destroying the enemy's gallery, but
leaving our own intact. On the 15th of June, just before mid-
night, the 1 /5th returned to bivouacs in Dranoutre.
About the middle of June the 46th Division moved to the
southern area of the Ypres Salient. The 4th Lincolnshire
arrived at Ouderdom on the 22nd and went into bivouac until
the 29th, when they moved forward to dug-outs in Sanctuary
Wood and Maple Copse. The next day (as already mentioned)
they relieved the 1st Lincolnshire and South Lanes, east of
Sanctuary Wood. But little of interest is recorded until the
28th of July, when the enemy blew up a sap in Ai and A2
trenches and mortared the line at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. 2nd
Lieutenant Maples was wounded, also two officers of other units,
going round the line. The next afternoon at 4.15 p.m. Captain
M. Staniland was killed. Lieutenant W.A. Fox was killed a
little later. On the 30th the Germans attacked the British line
near Hooge after a violent bombardment, and the projection of
liquid fire. The trenches held by the Lincolnshire were kept
under a very heavy trench-mortar, " whizz-bang " and rifle-fire :
the battalion was not, however, engaged in the attack. On the
1st of August the 4th mention the departure of a company of
7th Lincolnshire which had been attached for instruction in
trench warfare.
The gth of August found the 4th in Zillebeke dug-outs (two
companies) and the Barracks, Ypres (two companies). The
enemy's artillery-fire was heavy on this date, 1 5-in. shells falling
in Ypres, and the two companies there joined the others in
Zillebeke dug-outs. On this date the trenches at Hooge were
retaken, but the Lincolnshire were not engaged. On the 10th
the 4th returned to the front line : on the 12 th Captain Hart was
wounded. Another officer — Lieutenant L.A. Reed — was killed
on the 27th August. Even in support and reserve casualties
were frequent, for on the 2nd of September seven men were
killed and five wounded as the result of the enemy's bombard-
ment of the Embankment dug-outs, which lay well behind the
front line.
The 3rd of September saw the battalion back in the front line :
this was a most uncomfortable tour, for the elements seemed to
conspire with the enemy to make the trenches unbearable. For
three days the men were wet through by the heavy rain. Shell-
fire was heavy, during which another officer (2nd Lieutenant
Edmondson) was wounded. After moving back out of the line
105
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
on the 8th to huts west of Dickebusch, Lieut.-Colonel C.E.
Heathcote, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, arrived and
assumed command of the battalion on the ioth. During the
next tour (from the 1 5th to the 2 1st of September) casualties were
heavier amongst other ranks. On the 20th the guns began a
methodical bombardment of the enemy's trenches, in co-opera-
tion with similar actions all along the line as a preliminary to the
Battle of Loos. The enemy's reply was vigorous, and the front-
line trenches came in for a very heavy gruelling. On the 24th
the 4th Lincolnshire were in Brigade Reserve in Kruistraat
dug-outs, Railway Embankment and Deeping dug-outs.
The 1 /5th were not relieved from the trenches east of Kemmel
until the 21st of June, when they moved back to Dranoutre, and
on the 22nd moved to Ouderdom. On the 29th the battalion
at 7 p.m. marched to trenches " situated south of Hooge, east
of Ypres. Wooded country. Trenches form part of the famous
Ypres Salient." These were apparently support trenches, for
on the 30th at 7 p.m., the 1 /5th took over a trench from the 1st
Lincolnshire and one from the 4th Fusiliers. As a welcome to
a new sector, crumps fell in the south-west corner of Sanctuary
Wood, killing two men.
The six days which followed were strenuous, the enemy s
" whizz-bangs " caused a great deal of damage, the battalion
snipers completely silenced the enemy's snipers : the opposing
guns engaged in heavy duels, in all of which more or less the
unfortunate infantry in the front line became involved. There
was one part of the line — No. 9 — which had a particular attrac-
tion for the enemy's gunners. It was blown to bits more than
once. On the 4th July the casualty list was heavy : one other
rank killed, one officer (2nd Lieutenant Binns) and ten other
ranks wounded. Each day there were several casualties. The
next tour (1 3th / 1 9th July) was also lively. Captain Ingoldby was
wounded on the 14th, On the 1 2th of August the Diary records
" very short of Very lights and have to rely on the Germans to
oblige:" The 'next day a box of lights arrived " so more
' strafing ' can be done."
Casualties during this tour were on the increase, i.e., twenty-
eight killed and wounded from the ioth to the 1 6th. The latter
night is written down as quiet. Perhaps too quiet for the enemy,
who seems to have been suspicious, and opened heavy rifle-fire at
2.30 a.m. " This," records the Diary, " was no doubt done to
draw our fire and thereby disclose our strength. Fire was not
drawn, A few grenade and trench-mortar bombs were des-
patched to enemy to remind them that we were still alive and
willing to do a bit of ' strafing ' too." The 1 /5th were relieved
that night and returned to Zillebeke Lake dug-outs.
106
THE 7<th LINCOLNSHIRE AT YPRES DutT , r 9 i 5
September opened with "wretched weather : rain reduced the
trenches to mud alleys : parapets began to fall in and work was
in consequence very heavy, not only when in support and reserve,
but in the front line also. The damage done by the enemy's
shell-fire was frequently extensive. On the i yth> for instance, it
is reported that our heavies having bombarded the enemy's line,
the latter retaliated : " Whizz-bangs everywhere : rifle pits
were badly knocked about by ' crumps '." And then follows an
excellent comment on conditions in the front line : " One wishes
at times that troops who have been having a restful time for
months on end 1 might relieve us in this ghastly salient. An
officer from Armentieres direction was overheard by an officer
of ours who was proceeding on leave to England the other day
to say to another officer, also from the same direction : ' Do you
know, we had several of those nasty whizz-bangs over us the
other day, they were quite dreadful' If only they could come
here and learn that for every whizz-bang that went over him we
got about fifty ' crumps ' : one looks upon whizz-hangs as gnats
round here ! "
On the 1 7th the enemy's shell-fire was terrific : at least six
hundred " crumps " were put over and countless hundreds of
whizz-bangs. The damage done to the trenches was very
great, but casualties were miraculously small, i.e., one killed, two
wounded and one " shock " from being buried. Our " heavies "
had failed to respond to calls for support and the Diary has a
" grouse " : " If some of the ' office ' officers who arrange bom-
bardments but never seem to realise there is such a thing as
retaliation would only spend a day in the trenches (at " II.
Army Hotel," i.e. Battalion Headquarters) while the enemy is
bombarding them, then perhaps they would see the necessity for
artillery support." On the 24th of September the 5th
Lincolnshire were back out of the line at Zillebeke.
Meanwhile another battalion of the Regiment, the 7th (Service)
Battalion of the 51st Brigade, 17th Division, disembarked at
Boulogne from Folkestone on the 14th of July. On the 19th
the battalion reached billets in Eecke, and two days later a party
of five officers visited the trenches near Ypres for instruction.
The Brigade to which the 7th Lincolnshire belonged was in
Corps Reserve, but very soon began its apprenticeship in trench
warfare. On the 27th B Company went into the trenches of
the 138th Brigade, 46th Division, and there met the Territorial
battalions of the Regiment. The next day three men were killed
and four wounded — first casualties. From the 28 th to the 3 1st
(inclusive) four men were killed and sixteen wounded.
On coming out of the trenches east of Ypres the battalion
1 There vrere not many having a " restful time " in France and Flanders at this period.
I07
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
moved to bivouacs west of Kruisstraat, thence to huts on the
Vlamertinghe-Ouderdom road. The battalion first took over a
sub-sector of the front line on the 14th of August near
Voormezeele. This tour appears to have been expensive, for
when the Lincolnshire were relieved on the 26th and moved back
to La Clytte and Reninghelst, they had lost nine other ranks
killed and thirty-seven wounded.
In another tour in the front line, in the same sub-sector, from
the 3rd to the nth September, Major W.L. Crawford was
wounded on the 7th and 2nd Lieutenant J.K. Brice-Smith on
the 9th : the latter died of wounds on the 10th. Another officer
— 2nd Lieutenant H.A. Padley — was wounded on the 19th of
September. Conditions in the front line on the 20th, 21st and
22nd are described as very quiet, until on the latter date our
guns began a heavy bombardment of the German line, with the
result that the enemy's retaliation was violent. The 23rd and
24th were also noisy for all along the line the British artillery
were engaged in shelling the enemy's trenches, in order to
deceive him as to the point of the attack to be launched on the
25th of September.
In their trenches at Voormezeele, the 7th Lincolnshire on the
25th September fired " fifteen rounds rapid " in order to deceive
the enemy that they were about to attack.
According to the War Diaries, the casualties of the 4th, 5th
and 7th Battalions, between the 13th March and 25th September,
1 9 1 5, were :
\th Battalion — killed : officers, Col. Jessop, Capt. M. Staniland,
Lieuts. G, Staniland, W.B. Hirst, C.H. Ellwood, W.A. Fox, and
L.H. Reed ; other ranks, ten. Wounded : officers, Capts.
B.C. Thompson and Hart, 2nd Lieut. Edmondson. Other
ranks, twenty-two.
$th Battalion — killed : officers none ; other ranks, forty-three.
Wounded: officers, Capts. Hadfield, Ingoldby, Lowe, 2nd
Lieuts. Disney, Binns and Bott ; other ranks, two hundred and
seventeen ; missing, four.
7th Battalion — casualties from the 18th June to the 25th
September : Died of wounds, 2nd Lieut. J.K. Brice-Smith ;
wounded, Major W.L. Crawford, 2nd Lieut. H.A. Padley ;
other ranks : killed, twenty-one, wounded, one hundred and
eight.
108
LOOS [sept. 25TH, 1915
VIII
THE BATTLE OF LOOS .* 25TH SEPTEMBER-8TH OCTOBER, 1915
The attack at Loos was forced on the British Commander-in-
Chief, Sir John French, after conferences with French Higher
Command continued for many weeks, by the general situation
of the Allies, in Europe and especially in Russia, and by the local
situation in France, It was undertaken with forces which in his
judgment were inadequate, and over ground which was unfavour-
able. Acting on instructions received from the Secretary of
State for War, Sir John French informed General Joffre, on the
22nd August, that the First Army would attack with all the re-
sources at its disposal, south of La Bassee Canal, supported by
about eight hundred guns. General Joffre said that, owing to
the Russian situation he wished the assaulting troops, both
French and English, to be ready by the 8th September. The
date of the attack was postponed later, owing to the time required
for the French preparations for the offensive in Champagne. If
successful a break-through was to be followed by a general
offensive of all the French and British Armies on the Western
front intended to compel the Germans to retreat beyond the
Meuse and possibly end the war. {See Official History, Vol. IV,
pp. 113 and 119.)
The main assault, between Lens and La Bassee Canal, was to
be carried out by the First Army under General Haig, with the
I. Corps (Gough) and the IV. Corps (Rawlinson). Subsidiary
attacks were to be made north of the canal by the Indian and
III. Corps. Sir John French decided to retain a general
reserve in his own hands consisting of the XI. Corps (Haking),
and two cavalry corps, British and Indian. The 8th Lincolnshire
was serving in the XI. Corps, in' the 63rd Brigade of the 21st
Division. The 21st Division, as well as the 24th, also in the
Corps, were recently from England, and neither had previous
experience in France.
The battle commenced at 5 a.m. on the 25th September and
the IV. Corps, south of the Vermelles-Hulluch road, at the
cost of very heavy casualties, passed the first German trenches,
west of Loos, and reached the Lens-La Bassee road, east of Loos,
and even Bois Hugo beyond it. The 21st and 24th Divisions
from the XI. Corps, the General Reserve, came into the battle
as described below, but the hoped-for break through the German
line did not take place, for reasons which will appear. _
Only one battalion — the 8th (Service) Battalion— of the Lin-
colnshire Regiment, of the 63rd Brigade, 2 1st Division, took part
in the main operations, though the 1 /4th and 1 /5th (Territorial)
109
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
Battalions were behind the line during part of the battle
in reserve, and later were actively engaged on the 1 3th October
at the Hohenzollern Redoubt. These two battalions were on
the 25th September in the Ypres Salient, and the 1 /5th took part
in fire demonstrations, carried out to assist the operations in the
main theatre of the battle. The 2nd Battalion was engaged in
the subsidiary attack in the action of Bois Grenier.
In the 2 1 st Division the 8 th (Service) Battalion of the Lincoln-
shire Regiment, the 8th Somerset Light Infantry, the 12th West
Yorkshire and the 10th York and Lancaster formed the 63rd
Brigade. The 21st Division had landed in France scarce four-
teen days previously (7th-iith September). Quite inexperi-
enced and lacking in that knowledge of the enemy's methods
which other divisions had gained both in battle operations and
trench warfare, it may be said that the Division as a whole had
never been under fire. These details should be borne in mind,
for they are essential in anything like a fair estimate of the action
of the 2 1 st Division in the operations in which it was about to
take part.
The 8th Lincolnshire (Lieut-Colonel H.E. Walter, x com-
manding) embarked at Southampton on the night ioth-nth
September. The battalion reached Boulogne early on the morn-
ing of the 1 1 th. At 4 p.m., the same afternoon, the Lincolnshire
entrained for the Watten area (where the 21st Division was con-
centrating) and went into billets at Bayenghem.
For a week the Lincolnshire remained in the Watten area and
then, on the night 20th /21st September the 21st Division set
out on that long approach march which was only to end (as Sir
John French said) " within three miles of our original trenchline."
On the night of the 20th /21st September the 8th Battalion
bivouacked in a field at Racquingham. They rested all day on
the 2 1 st, but set out again during the evening of the latter date
and, marching all night, reached Norrent Fontes at 1.30 a.m.
on the 22nd, where they bivouacked again. On the evening of
22nd the battalion matched to Cauchy. Here quite good billets
were found until the evening of the 24th, when the battalion left
Cauchy and bivouacked about two miles west of Noeux les Mines
at about 1.30 a.m. on the 25th September. It was a cold wet
night and the noise of the guns, then engaged in bombarding the
enemy's trenches, disturbed the troops so that few slept.
At about 10 a.m. orders came to move. Progress was pain-
fully slow, for the roads were congested with traffic of all sorts :
transport wagons and ambulances, walking wounded and German
prisoners — all combined to make the march a trying one. East
of Noeux les Mines the Lincolnshire halted for some time, close
1 Formerly Adjutant of the 1st Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment.
IIO
THE 8th LINCOLNSHIRE [ SEPT . * 5 th, i 9 i 5
to a heavy battery and came under long-range shell-fire. The
march was resumed and at about 4 p.m. the battalion passed
through Vermelles . Signs of the battle were gradually becoming
more frequent. British wounded, carried on stretchers or limp-
ing painfully along the roads, German prisoners, sullen and
defiant-looking, were streaming westwards. Near Vermelles a
large body of cavalry was halted, waiting to go through when the
orders came for them to do so.
From Vermelles the road led south-east along which, for
nearly three-quarters of an hour, the battalion, tired, wet
through and hungry, trudged in the direction of Loos. The
troops were not marching " light " : full equipment was carried
by both officers and men, even to great coats, which in the
drenching rain gradually became heavier. 1 At about 5 p.m. the
battalion with other units of the 63 rd Brigade, reached Fosse
No. 7 and again halted. For three hours the Brigade waited in
this position, battalions lying down on the northern side of the
road. At 8 p.m. orders came for the advance : the Brigade was
to advance to a point east of the Loos-La Bassee road, moving
thence eastwards to the main Hulluch-Loos road, the final
objective of the Brigade being Annay.
But the road Fosse 7 was so terribly congested with traffic of
all kinds that it was 8.45 p.m. before the whole Brigade was able
to move. The Lincolnshire and Somerset Light Infantry de-
ployed and advanced across country, whilst the West Yorkshire
and York and Lancaster took a devious route by road. The Lin-
colnshire relieved some of the 15th Division between 7 and 8 p.m.
The Lincolnshire were on the extreme left of the 2 1st Division
and having with the Somersets deployed, advanced in echelon
formation eastwards. That advance was difficult. _ Carried out
in pitch darkness, first across the old British front line and then
over the original front-line German trenches, battered and ruined
as they were by shell-fire, and littered with dead and dying. For
three hours the Lincolnshire pushed on, stumbling into shell-
holes, falling over inert bodies of the dead ; on all sides, so it
seemed, the rattle of rifle and machine-gun fire, the screaming of
shells and loud explosions.
At one point the battalion topped a rise in the ground and the
following is a description given by 2nd Lieutenant F. Cragg,
of the 8 th Lincolnshire, of the sight which broke upon his view :
" As we got to the crest-line, now free from obstruction, we
could see the countryside slightly, and what a sight met our eyes !
Right ahead of us was Loos in flames, this was the glare that
puzzled us : the twin towers of the big mine standing out like
1 There was an impression that organized resistance was not to be expected, so great-
coats and extra rations were ordered to be carried. (Official History, Vol. IF, p. 284.)
Ill
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
great oil towers on a burning oil field. To the right and left
were the horrors of war. Close by a German, badly wounded,
called for ' wasser.' I stopped and gave him some, but it would
not be long before he joined his comrades. In the communica-
tion trench on our left more dead by the score . . ."
The Commanding Officer, Adjutant and Company Com-
manders were given a compass bearing to march on and by 1 1
p.m. the Lincolnshire had cleared the last line of old German
trenches. So far as they knew, only open country lay before
them. They then lay down for a considerable time apparently
to allow the other troops to come up.
Confronted with a difficult situation on unknown ground,
not having been in action before, without guidance from the
Commanders and Staffs who had been in the sector and had
studied its features for months past, it is not surprising that this
night march was most trying to all ranks. (See Official History,
Vol IV, p. 284.)
The difficult nature of that advance will be appreciated from
the fact that the two support companies of Somersets on the
immediate right of the Lincolnshire, went astray in the darkness
•and fetched up with the 46th Brigade on Hill 70 between Chalet
Wood and Hill 70 Redoubt. After waiting some time, the
Brigade Commander decided to push on.
About 12 midnight 25th September there came a sudden burst
of rifle and machine-gun fire apparently from a wood (Chalk Pit
Wood) on our right front. 1 The wood was cleared by A Com-
pany, which suffered considerable loss. D Company on the left,
supported the right flank in their attack and then formed up about
fifty yards to the north of Chalk Pit Wood, whence it moved east
across the Lens— La Bassee Road. Here were some rough
trenches (not shown on the map) which had been begun
by some details of other battalions. The remainder of
the night was spent in improving these trenches (which were
practically nothing but shallow holes dug that afternoon in
hard chalky soil) with the entrenching tools.
Chalk Pit Wood and the Chalk Pit itself were about a mile
north-east of Loos : they lay west of the Lens-Hulluch road.
About a quarter of a mile south (also west of the road) was the
Keep, Puits No. 14 bis. The Bois Hugo lay opposite the Keep,
i.e., on the eastern side of the road, an oblong shaped mass of
trees on an east and west line. Opposite the Chalk Pit was a
house along the western side of the road, which the Brigadier
had selected as Brigade Headquarters.
When dawn broke on the 26th September the disposition of
1 The fire actually came from Hill 70 or even beyond it. (Official History, Vol. IV,
p. 291.)
112
LOOS
[sept. 26th, 191 5
the 8th Lincolnshire and other units of the 63rd Brigade was as
follows : A, B and C Companies of the Lincolnshire held an east
to west line, east of the Lens-Hulluch road and along the southern
edge of Bois Hugo and facing Hill 70, three companies of the
West Yorks were on the left of the Lincolnshire facing east : the
fourth company (D) of the Lincolnshire, with the remaining
company of the West Yorks were in reserve in the angle formed
by the front line : the Somersets (less two companies) were
between the western side of the Lens-Hulluch road and the
Chalk Pit Wood, while the York and Lancaster, who by this
time had joined, carried the-Brigade line along the road north of
the Chalk Pit : but the left flank was entirely in the air. The
German trenches ran from Hill 70 in a north-easterly direction
past the eastern edge of Bois Hugo.
At about 8.15 a.m. the three companies of Lincolnshire along
the southern edge of the Bois Hugo, opened rapid rifle-fire,
which lasted for probably fifteen minutes. Their targets were
Germans who had been forced to retire across the northern slopes
of Hill 70 in full view. At from four to eight hundred yards,
range the Lincolnshire did considerable execution.
In firing, however, they disclosed their position to the enemy's
artillery and soon shrapnel began to burst over the trench with
the result that one man was killed and four officers (Captain E.M.
Harrison and 2nd Lieutenants F.G. Haldwell, M.G. Rowcroft
and H. Mather) and about fifty other ranks were wounded.
The Brigade was to attack the enemy at 1 1 a.m., but no written ,
orders were issued to battalion commanders : they were told to
1 T13
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
attack in an easterly direction. The Lincolnshire made one big
attack about 6.30 a.m., and advanced about seven hundred yards,
but were pushed back some four hundred yards by the enemy
about 10.30 a.m., owing to lack of support. At 9.30 a.m.
Colonel Walter " reported verbally to the Brigadier that the
situation was distinctly unfavourable : that the Germans were
pushing through in large numbers and suggesting we should ask
for support." 1
From 7.30 a.m. till 10 a.m. hostile shell-fire was directed on the
whole position, but between the latter hour and 10. 1 5 it suddenly
increased in intensity and the Germans attacked. Although the
Divisional artillery made good practice against the enemy, his
troops about 2 p.m. worked steadily through the eastern portion
of the Bois Hugo. Then suddenly there was a heavy rush of
hostile troops.
The enemy debouched from both sides of the Bois Hugo simul-
taneously, attacking both A, B and C Companies of the Lincoln-
shire and the three companies of the battalion on the left. The
trenches of the latter were quickly overwhelmed, and the sur-
viving occupants fell back in a confused mass to the support
trench. Similarly, on the right, A, B and C fell back through
the Wood. The three companies of the Lincolnshire retired in
perfect order to the support trench, losing heavily both from our
own and the enemy's shell-fire. The trench was not nearly long
or deep enough to accommodate the troops, many of whom fell
back to a sheltering line of trenches west of the Lens-Hulluch road.
Hand-to-hand fighting took place and Captain L.D.McN.
Davis led two or three bayonet charges, but without success.
Here Lieut.-Colonel H.E. Walter was shot down whilst gallantly
calling on his men to go forward with him and attack the enemy.
" He stood," said 2nd Lieutenant Cragg, " not knowing what
fear was in the midst of a hot fire at close range, forty yards off,
calling on us to charge. Just as he led us he fell" Greatly
beloved by all ranks of the battalion for his fine soldierly qualities,
his loss was sorely felt.
Two companies, A and B, supported by C and D, attacked
about 4.30 p.m., and A Company re-took part of Bois Hugo.
At 5.30 p.m. the Germans attacked again and A Company lost
2nd Lieutenant Welsh killed. Lieutenants Reynolds and Hall
wounded and forty casualties in other ranks.
The enemy was now in complete possession of the Bois Hugo
and of the trenches which had been occupied by A, B and C
Companies of the Lincolnshire and the three front-line companies
of the West Yorks : only the trench which held the two support
companies of both battalions resisted capture, and although the
1 Narrative with the 63rd Brigade Diary.
II 4
LOOS
[sept. 26th, 1915
Germans tried to rush it they were beaten back again and again.
They then brought up a machine-gun, which they placed on the
right under cover of the Bois Hugo and from this position
enfiladed the support trench.
" Communication was extremely difficult as the holes (which
had been dug with entrenching tools) were not connected up
throughout the whole length of the trench. In order to com-
municate with those on the right therefore, we had either to pass
verbal messages or to throw written messages on from one hole
to the next At about midday, in this way I found that Lieu-
tenants Hall and van Someran were the only officers of the
GERMAN COUNTER-ATTACK, BOIS HUGO
battalion left. Captain Davis and Lieutenant Faulkner were both
in the trench, but very badly wounded, and nothing was known
of any of the others. . . . We were, of course, in a very
awkward position, but the men had all been very cheery ; they
thought, as a result of the fighting on the 25th, that the enemy
were really ' on the run ' and at first we thought that all we
had to do was to ' sit tight ' until the main attack developed
at 11 a.m., and then go forward with it. However, 11 a.m.
came, but no sign of British troops." {Lieutenant J. H. Alcock.)
The gallant little band of Lincolnshire and other troops who
held the support trench were practically surrounded and their
position as the day wore on was growing steadily worse. At
about 5.30 p.m., the enemy from Bois Hugo rushed the
southern portion of the trench, the occupants being unable to
1^5
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
put up any further resistance, retired, A Company only having
two n.c.o.s and twenty men left. One officer who was taken
prisoner, finding that Colonel Walter still lived 1 , was able to go
to him and give him a drink of water.
The few officers and men wounded or unwounded who sur-
vived the attack, withdrew to about one thousand yards of old
German front line, where the Guards relieved them about 4 a.m.
on the 2.7th. The Brigade narrative states that " subsequently
small parties of the Brigade withdrew to the (old) German front-
line trenches, the remainder of the Brigade apparently retired
straight back beyond Divisional Headquarters. On the follow-
ing morning (27th September) the remainder of the Brigade
finally concentrated in the bivouac area about half a mile north-
west of Noyelles-les-Vermelles."
The casualties of the 8 th Lincolnshire in this, their first battle
were terrible. No less than twenty-two officers had been killed,
wounded or taken prisoner. 8 In other ranks the total losses were
four hundred and seventy-one killed, wounded or missing, of whom
one hundred and forty-eight were killed or died of wounds.
On the 28 th September the battalion left Vermelles and moved
by road and rail to Linghem, leaving that place on 1st October
and marching to Steenbecque. The next day another march
brought the Lincolnshire to Boore, where they billeted until the
1 3th of the month ; here Major R.H.G. Wilson from the 2nd
Lincolnshire, arrived and assumed command.
The 8 th Battalion moved to Strazeele on the 15th October,
and on the 28 th to billets in Armentieres, where it was employed
by the Commanding Royal Engineer, 50th Division, for work
on trench defences. By the end of the month the strength of
the battalion was twenty-three officers, and six hundred and three
other ranks. It took over a sector of the front line on the 13th
November, and on the 31st December was in billets in Armen-
tieres. The spring of 1 9 1 6 was passed in periodical tours in the
trenches, during which Captain G.E.L. Bowlby, Lieutenant
J.E.C. Fairweather, and 2nd Lieutenant R.B. Love were killed,
and Captain D.A. Jones and 2nd Lieutenant S. Phillips wounded.
On the 31st March the battalion went by train to Longeau,
whence it marched first to Allonville, and then, on the 8th April,
to Buire, on the River Ancre, four miles south-west of Albert,
*He died of his wounds in German hands on 29th September, 1915.
2 Killed: Major J.Y. Storer, Capt. and Adjutant J. Topham, Captains S.G. Stromquist
and H. Coates, Lieutenants L, Falkner and P.C.W. Bosworth, 2nd Lieutenants J.H.R.
Hanning, H.H. Jacobs, J.E.H. Welch and A.W. Bosworth ; wounded : Lieut.-Colonel
H.E. Walter, and died of wounds, Captain E.M. Harrison, Lieutenant F.G. Haldwell,
2nd Lieutenants F.H. Mather and J.J. Cragg ; missing : Captain L.D. McNaught Davis,
Lieutenants J.W. Reynolds, G.W. Parker (died of wounds 29/9/15) and M.A. Hall,
2nd Lieutenants E.C. van Someran, J.H. Alcock and M.G. Rowcroft.
Il6
BOIS GRENIER [sept. 25TH, 1915
whence it furnished large working parties. On the 14th it
moved to support positions about Becordel-Becourt village, where,
till the 22nd, much work was done on the forward trenches.
The 1st Battalion relieved the 8th on the 22nd May in the
right sector of the line opposite Fricourt, the latter moving to
La Neuville, opposite Corbie, on the Ancre.
At the end of June the 8 th was detailed to support the 8 th
Somersets in the attack on the German positions on the 1st July,
and, on the 30th June, moved to Assembly Trenches near
Becordel-Becourt village.
Between the 26th September, 1915, and the 30th June, 19 16,
in addition to the officers already named, Major Taylor and 2nd
Lieutenants F.L. Gooseman and Smith were wounded. In
other ranks the total casualties in the same period were : killed
or died of wounds, thirty ; wounded, one hundred and ten.
IX
THE ACTION OF BOIS GRENIER, 2j"TH SEPTEMBER
After the Battle of Aubers the 2nd Lincolnshire spent some
months in the Laventie area, either in the trenches or in billets.
In the trenches life was strenuous, shelling, sniping, and trench-
mortaring was almost constant. The casualties of the battalion
after the Battle of Aubers to the eve of the Action of Bois Grenier
were 2nd Lieutenant W.M. Robertson, missing off patrol and
died, and 2nd Lieutenant Ross wounded. In other ranks the
losses were twenty-four killed, and ninety-two wounded.
The latter part of August was spent in Sailly, a welcome relief ;
but the battalion was back in the trenches at Bois Grenier in
September, and received orders for attack in the Action of Bois
Grenier, when it was in Bac St. Maur towards the end of the
month.
In order to distract the enemy's attention from the main opera-
tions at Loos, and hold his troops to their ground along other
parts of the front, subsidiary attacks took place at Le Bridoux,
Pietre, and Bellewaarde Farm, east of Ypres. In the first of
these, known officially as the action of Bois Grenier, the 8 th
Division attacked the enemy, the 2nd Lincolnshire being engaged
in the operations opposite the small village of Le Bridoux, which
lay in the German lines.
The assault was made by three battalions of the 25th Brigade
on a front of twelve hundred yards between Corner Fort and
Bridoux Fort, two works in the German front line. This was
ii7
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
comparatively straight ; but the British front line formed a
pronounced salient towards the German line, where the Bois
Grenier— Bridoux road passes .through it, and a corresponding
re-entrant between this road, and a point in our line opposite
Corner Fort.
At 6.55 p.m. on the 24th September the and Lincolnshire
left billets in Bac St. Maur for assembly positions on the left of
the Brigade sector. The Lincolnshire companies took post as
follows :
B Company (Captain Barker) in Assembly Trenches on the
right (east) of the Bois Grenier-Bridoux road.
A Company (Captain French) on the left of B, in rear of the right
half of the salient.
C Company (Captain Griffin) held the fire parapet of the
salient with two platoons, and had two platoons in trenches three
hundred and fifty yards in rear.
D Company (Captain Hoskyns) in Assembly Trenches to the
left (west) of the road.
The frontage allotted to the Lincolnshire was approximately
two hundred and seventy-five yards, one hundred and twenty
yards to the east of the road, and one hundred and fifty-five to
the west of it. The 2nd Royal Berkshire were on the right of
the Lincolnshire, and the 2nd Rifle Brigade on the right of the
line. The distance between our front trench and the German
was about one hundred yards opposite Corner Fort, and Fort
Bridoux, and about two hundred in the centre of the re-entrant.
The space in the salient was so restricted that the Lincolnshire
were much crowded.
At 4.25 a.m. the artillery opened fire on the German first and
second-line trenches, and covered both flanks. Two field guns
were placed in the front-line trench with instructions to open
rapid fire on the enemy's trench one hundred yards away just
before the infantry attack. The result was to draw all available
hostile fire on the salient for the rest of the day, making com-
munication and movement almost impossible. The two guns
and their crews were very soon obliterated. Sheltered by the
fire the assaulting battalions crept forward and at 4.30 a.m. they
charged.^ Corner Fort was captured immediately by the 2nd
Rifle Brigade, while in the centre the Berkshire carried the
German line between the Lozenge and the 5th Point : they failed,
however, to capture The Angle owing to heavy machine-gun fire.
On the left a sunken mine, running from the Lincolnshire
trenches across No Man's Land to the German lines, was
exploded. This mine had been sunk in order that the excavation
caused by the explosion might provide a communication trench
after the enemy's lines had been taken. The mine " went up "
118
THE 2nd LINCOLNSHIRE [«*«.. »sth, i 9 i 5
at 4.29 a.m. One minute later the Lincolnshire swarmed across
No Man's Land.
The spirit of the battalion is shown in the following incident :
before reaching the enemy's parapet a man fell to the ground,
shot through the chest — he was thought to be dead. Some time
later he was observed minus his tunic, groaning painfully but
dragging himself over the enemy's parapet. Such as his indo-
mitable pluck and courage that he wanted to be with his com-
^ al ' H
Armentieres
Scale
"^-^-Aubers
BOIS GRENIER
rades and join in the fight. He stumbled over into the trench,
was then picked up by stretcher-bearers and hurried back across
No Man's Land to the first aid station. But nothing could be
done for him and he died shortly afterwards.
On the left D Company, led by Captain Hoskyns, rushed the
Bridoux Fort and immediately gained a footing in it. On
reaching the German front line, touch was lost with the Berk-
shire on the right. Lieutenant Leslie, collecting a party, and
with bomb and bayonet, attacked along the German trench,
fighting his way from traverse to traverse, in a most gallant and
determined fashion, till touch was gained with the Berkshire.
He was awarded the Legion of Honour.
119
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
Eighty Germans were taken prisoners in the fort and many
more were killed in the neighbourhood. By 8 a.m. the Lincoln-
shire and Berkshire had gained touch and the German front-line
trench was held from the western end of the Lozenge to the
eastern end of Bridoux Fort. The Rifle Brigade held Corner
.Post and the front line thence for about two hundred yards east
of it. But the gap between the Rifles and the Berkshire was
never captured.
The enemy now launched violent counter-attacks and the
pressure on D Company became severe. A platoon of A Com-
pany was therefore sent to assist the former : part of two com-
panies of the Royal Irish Rifles also came up and for the time
being the pressure was relieved. Another hostile counter-attack
on the Fort was made by the enemy, and on this occasion the
situation became critical. The supply of bombs had run out,
and the gallant Lincolnshire, attacked practically on all sides,
were forced out of the Fort, but they clung desperately to the
outside of the parapets until the pressure on both flanks and the
front became so severe that the Fort had to be totally evacuated.
The time was about i p.m.
Meanwhile, at 12.30 p.m. the right of the battalion had been
forced to the left owing to a bombing attack on the Berkshire :
simultaneously the left of the Lincolnshire was forced to its right.
The trenches were now very congested. A further supply of
bombs came to hand and a length of trench to the right was
retaken, only to be lost again a little later. However, until $
p.m., the Lincolnshire held on to their position, but at that hour
were forced to evacuate all their gains. .
Lieut.-Colonel S.FitzG. Cox (commanding 2nd Lincolnshire;
stated in his report of the action : " I put down the failure to
hold the line to the fact that the left flank was exposed and en
Fair. This once lost, the remainder of the line was endangered.
This was further aggravated by the facilities offered to the enemy
in the shape of orchards, communication and other trencties,
which afforded covered approaches in rear, front and flank, an
it was by these that the enemy was able to creep up and dischar^
bombs and trench-mortars from the circumference of a circle,
the centre of which stood the Fort. Before the Fort finally reii to
one of .the attacks above indicated, at least six attempts wer
frustrated by the close co-operation afforded me by the artw y
and the excellent communication that existed between the gu
and their liaison officer attached to me." , ^
The Brigade narrative furnishes another fact which rnaae u
holding of the captured trenches difficult : " The maifl difficulty
was keeping up the supply of bombs and bombers. 1 here
doubt that an immense number of bombs were wanted.
120
THE 2nd GO TO THE SOMME [march, 1916
cannot be too strongly urged that we should have one pattern of
bomb with a good mechanical lighting apparatus. At present
there are a dozen different kinds issued, and in the excitement of
the action the men forgot how to use them. With one kind, in
the use of which the men could be drilled, like they are with the
rifle, the necessary movements would become automatic. Many
of the fuses and matches got damp and the bombs were thrown
unlighted or wasted."
The losses of the 2nd Battalion were heavy. The Second-in-
Command — Major F. W. Greatwood — was wounded. By com-
panies, other casualties were : A — Major E.N. French wounded;
B — 2nd Lieutenant R.F. Tindall killed and 2nd Lieutenant B.J.
Woodwock wounded ; D — Major H.C.W. Hoskyns, Lieu-
tenant G.L. Marshall and 2nd Lieutenants L. Brooks, C. Budi-
bent and H.R. Budden killed. In other ranks the losses were :
killed sixty, wounded two hundred and twenty-nine, and missing
thirty-six — a total of nine officers and three hundred and twenty-
five other ranks. The platoon of C Company which did not
" go over " but remained in its trenches all day suffered severely
from the enemy's heavy shell-fire.
Two more stories concerning the attack of 25th September
concern a company cook and an n.c.o. The cook, a middle-
aged man whose place was not in the firing-line, became so ex-
cited by the din of the fighting that he could not restrain his
ardour. Leaving his work, he rushed off to the German trenches,
seized a rifle and sniped a number of the enemy, greeting each
successful shot with a muttered, " There's another of the
blighters 1 " The n.c.o., a sergeant, before leaving the
enemy's lines, dashed back and removed the bolts from all the
German rifles he could see lying about the trenches. His action
undoubtedly saved many casualties among the men as they were
going back across the open.
At 9 p.m. the battalion was relieved and marched back to
billets in the neighbourhood of Fleurbaix, and on the 26th to the
Bac St. Maur in Divisional Reserve.
It remained there until the 2nd October, when it took over
front-line trenches at Bois Grenier. The usual routine of the
trenches, relieved by occasional periods behind the line followed.
On the 24th October the battalion was transferred from the 25th
Brigade to the 70th, which replaced the 24th Brigade in the 8th
Division ; but rejoined the 25th on the 9th November. The
whole of December was spent away from the front line in reserve
billets, mostly at La Belle Hotesse.
In March the battalion moved from Merville to the Somme,
arriving at Longeau, east of Amiens, on the 28 th, and marching
to billets in Flesselles, 2nd Lieutenant W.S. Peel, on the 8th
121
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
March, and 2nd Lieutenant W.E. Tolley, on the 18th were
wounded in the trenches at Cardonnieres, before leaving
Merville.
The battalion took over front-line trenches opposite La
Boisselle, a village in the German front line, which (like Fricourt)
formed a salient, and had been turned by the enemy into a power-
ful fortress. Whenever the 2nd Lincolnshire were out of the
line they were training and supplying large working parties.
In May 2nd Lieutenant Monat-Biggs and one other rank were
killed, and Captain Jeudwine, 2nd Lieutenant Shaw and four
other ranks wounded.
On the 29th June the battalion marched from billets in Millen-
court to " Long Valley." As one of the assaulting battalions of
the 25th Brigade, 8th Division, it moved to its assembly position
on the 30th, and was in position at 2.30 a.m. on the 1st July ready
for the Battle of Albert. 1
Before the 2nd Battalion left the Bois Grenier sector another
battalion, the 10th, raised at Grimsby as the " Chums," came there
in the 101st Brigade, 34th Division. Landing in France on
the 9th January, 1 9 1 6, this battalion started its initiation in trench
warfare at Erquingham early in February, and towards the end
of that month took over a sub-sector at Bois Grenier. It re-
mained in the sector till the 8th April. The casualties of the
battalion to the end of February were four other ranks killed and
five wounded. The 5th April was a bad day for the 10th, which
was in front of Fleurbaix. Our heavy trench-mortars, and guns,
bombarded the enemy's trenches ; he promptly retaliated, killing
three men, wounding two officers and sixteen other ranks. The
support trenches, and Jay Post suffered most.
On the 8th April the battalion started marching to Eperleques
(ten miles north-west of St. Omer), arriving there on the 12th.
It rested and trained till the 5th May, when it moved by rail
from St. Omer, detraining at Longeau, and marching to Rainne-
ville (ten miles north-east of Amiens), and on the 2 1st to Dernan-
court, on the Somme. After occasional tours in the front line,
the battalion went into the trenches on the 28th June for the
last time before the opening of the attack against the German
positions on the Somme. On the 29th Lieutenant W.D.
Wroe, of C Company, was killed by shell-fire. The history of
the 10th Lincolnshire is continued in the account of the Battle
of Albert, their first battle. The final entry in the diary is :
" German retaliatory heavier on this day than any other since
the commencement of our bombardment."
The losses, in other ranks, of the 10th Battalion from the date
1 The casualties of the battalion in the trenches from the Action of Bois Grenier to
the 30th June, 1916, were twenty-five other ranks killed, and ninety-two wounded.
122
BELLEWAARDE AGAIN [SEF t. 25 th, r 9 r 5
of their landing in France to the 30th June, 191 6, were : killed,
nine ; wounded, twenty-six. The officer casualties have been
given above.
X
THE SECOND ATTACK ON BELLEWAARDE : 25TH-26TH SEPTEMBER
Although the ist Lincolnshire did not, as a whole, take part
in the attack launched by the 3rd and 14th Divisions at Belle-
waarde on 25th September, the battalion bombers were engaged
with the enemy : and during the evening the battalion, with the
Bermuda Contingent, took over front-line trenches.
On the 23rd September, in view of the pending operations, the
1 st Lincolnshire moved to Sanctuary Wood. The bombardment
of the enemy's trenches had already begun, to which the German
guns replied vigorously. Throughout the 24th the battalion
remained in dug-outs in the Wood. The operations of the 25th
are thus described in the Battalion Diary :
" Two mines at B.4 and B.7 were fired at 5.5 a.m., after which
the 4th Gordons and ist Royal Scots Fusiliers rushed the front-
line enemy lines which were taken with little resistance. Our
bombers reinforced the Royal Scots Fusiliers and took part in
the hand-to-hand fighting which occurred while taking the
enemy's front-line trenches. The captured trenches became
untenable owing to the heavy bombardment by the enemy's
artillery and were abandoned in consequence. C Company
reinforced the Royal Scots Fusiliers at 4.30 p.m. in our
original front line. At 8.15 p.m. the Battalion Headquarters
took over the headquarters dug-outs from the Royal Scots
Fusiliers and our companies commenced the relief of the Royal
Scots Fusiliers companies in the trenches. A Company
occupied B.3 fire trench, B Company R.3 redoubts, C Company
the "reserve trench, D Company and the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle
Contingent 1 in R (reserve) trench. Casualties during the day
were one other rank killed and eighteen wounded."
Conditions throughout the 26th were quiet, the Lincolnshire
being employed in repairing the parapet and trenches and in
1 The 2nd Lincolnshire -was stationed in Bermuda at the outbreak of war, and the
Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps raised a contingent, and asked that it should be attached
to the Lincolnshire Regiment. It served with the ist Battalion to the end of the -war.
The contingent lost thirty-three other ranks in killed alone, out of a contingent which
at first numbered one hundred, augmented during the war by a draft from Bermuda.
The Corps is now affiliated to the Lincolnshire Regiment, with the approval of His
Majesty.
123
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
salvage work. At night they were relieved and moved back to
the ramparts at Ypres and to bivouacs in the neighbourhood.
Both the i /4th and 1 /5th Lincolnshire (46th Division) were
very near the operations, the former being in Railway Dug-outs
and the latter in trenches near Zillebeke. Both Battalion
Diaries mention the attacks of the 3rd and 14th Divisions, and
on the 24th the 1 /5th had one company (B) under Captain Hart,
dug in near Bellewaarde Farm, remaining there throughout the
25th September until 5.30 p.m., when he returned with his
company to Railway Dug-outs, having had no casualties. 1
XI
ACTIONS OF THE HOHENZOLLERN REDOUBT : I 3TH-I 9TH OCTOBER
On the 26th September both the i /4th and 1 /5th Lincoln-
shire went into the front-line trenches north of and adjoining
Hill 60. There is, however, little to record until the 30th of
the month, when at about 6.45 p.m. the enemy exploded a mine
under Trench 47, held by the 1 /5th Battalion. Captain B.K.
Finnie was shot dead after the explosion, and Lance-Corporal C.
Leadbeater, in charge of a listening post at the end of the trench,
was blown over the parapet. He crawled back, however, and
although seriously injured, collected his men, opened rapid-fire
on the enemy and remained in charge until ordered to go to the
dressing station. For his gallant conduct he was awarded the
D.C.M. In the heavy hostile bombardment during the explo-
sion of the mine the 1 /4th Battalion lost one other rank killed
and 2nd Lieutenant Sowerby and nine other ranks wounded.
On the 1st October both the 1 /4th and 1 /5th Lincolnshire were
relieved, the former marching back to Dickebusch Huts and the
latter to huts near Ouderdom, and as an officer of the 1 /5th
Battalion said : " We turned our backs on the Ypres Salient with
great satisfaction."
The 46th Division, after about three months in the line, was
at last relieved for a short rest. But it was short indeed, for
on the 2nd the Division was attached to the XI. Corps and moved
south to the Bethune area, the 1 /4th Lincolnshire arriving on
that date at Busnettes, and the 1 /5th at Gonnehem. On the
4th it became known that the 46th Division was to take part in
an attack on the Hohenzollern Redoubt, and on the 6th both
Territorial Battalions of the Lincolnshire marched to Hesdigneul.
1 The Brigade Diary records that on 25th September Captain R.S. Fieldsend, i/jth
Lincolnshire was wounded, but there is no mention of that officer in the Battalion Diary.
124
HOHENZOIXERN REDOUBT [0 cr, i 9 i 5
Here they remained for the next six days practising the attack
in open warfare.
On the afternoon of the 12th all battalions of the 138th Brigade
marched via Bethune and Sailly la Bourse to a field south of the
latter village. Here the men had tea, and rations for the 13 th
as well as one hundred extra rounds of ammunition and six sand-
bags were issued to each man. At dusk (it was about 7 p.m.)
the march was resumed to Vermelles, where bombs and tools
were collected for use during the attack next day.
The 46th Division was to relieve the Guards Division opposite
the Hohenzollern Redoubt on the night of 1 2th October. Having,
therefore, drawn trench equipment, the Brigade resumed the
march, the 1 /4th Lincolnshire relieved the 2nd Grenadiers and. the
1 /$th the Irish Guards. In pitch darkness they were led by guides
who seemed uncertain as to the exact direction. It was about
2 a.m. on 13th before the reliefs were completed.
Operation orders directed the 46th Division to capture the
Hohenzollern Redoubt and Fosse No. 8, while the 12th Division
was to capture the Quarries and establish communication with
the 46th at point G. 5^.6.8. The 46th Division attacked with
the 137th Brigade on the right and the 138th Brigade on the left.
Of the 138th Brigade, the 4th Leicesters on the right and
1 /5th Lincolnshire on the left, formed the first line of the attack :
the 1 /4th Lincolnshire were in support and the 1st Monmouths
in third-line trenches : the 5th Leicesters were in reserve. The
first objective allotted to the i/^th Lincolnshire was Fosse
Trench, behind the western face of the Hohenzollern Redoubt.
The latter was an oval-shaped work pushed forward from the
"5
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
German main line (Fosse Trench) and joined to the latter by
several communication trenches, of which Big and Little Willie
were the chief. North of the Redoubt was a German strong
point — Mad Point. The Redoubt itself was situated on slightly
rising ground of which the near portion dipped towards Fosse
Trench, and was the only part of the objective allotted to the
i /5th visible from the trenches of the latter.
The attack of the two front-line battalions was, however, to
pass straight over to the Redoubt without pause and. proceed
without a check to secure Fosse Trench. The assaulting line
was to advance from the trenches under cover of gas and smoke
at 1 .50 p.m. and go forward as far as possible without approaching
too near the fire of the divisional artillery, which would still be
firing on the Redoubt. At 2 p.m. the guns were to lift their
fire and the infantry attack was to begin.
The 1 /4th Lincolnshire, in support, were to follow the assault-
ing battalions one hundred yards in rear of the last line of the
attack ; they were to clear, by bombing, all trenches passed over
by the front line.
The 1 st Monmouths, in rear of the 1 /4th Lincolnshire, were
to occupy the Hohenzollern Redoubt and organise it at once as
a strong supporting point for all-round defence, as well as con-
necting the Redoubt to the present British front line by " Big
Willie." The 5th Leicesters were to occupy the front-line
British trenches after the attacking troops had left them.
At 1 2 noon the artillery bombardment began and for the first
half-hour the enemy's reply was confined to inconsiderable
numbers of " whizz-bangs." From 12.30 p.m. onwards, how-
ever, he " crumped " the reserve trenches, fortunately doing little
damage. Next, precisely at 1 p.m., the wind becoming favour-
able, gas was projected on the German lines, and smoke bombs
were thrown 5> which produced clouds of smoke to hide the ad-
vance of the infantry. All these arrangements went like clock-
work.
As soon as the enemy observed the discharge of gas and smoke
clouds, he began in earnest to bombard the British trenches and
the first, support and reserve lines were heavily shelled : violent
machine-gun fire also swept the ground over which the infantry
was to advance.
At 2 p.m., the first, second, third and fourth lines 1 (4th
Leicesters and 1 /5th Lincolnshire) of attacking infantry left the
trenches and advanced against the enemy ; the fifth and sixth
lines (1 /4th Lincolnshire) filed up through the second support
line and advanced from the first support trench : the Monmouths
and 5th Leicesters followed in that order.
1 They were called ** lines " at this period, later they became " waves."
126
HOHENZOLLERN REDOUBT [0 ct., i 9 t 5
All accounts agree that the 4th Leicesters and 1 /5th Lincoln-
shire (Lieut.-Colonel T.E. Sandall commanding) advanced with
great gallantry. The wire in front of the Redoubt had been well
cut by the artillery, and both battalions swept over the West Face
with but few casualties. " We reached the Redoubt," said
Captain R.E. Madge, who commanded the machine-gun section
and was the only officer to come out of action, " which was blown
to pieces, and captured a small number of Germans (about fifteen,
I think). A further advance was impossible, as the brigade on
our right was held up on the wire in front of ' Big Willie,' and
we were being bombarded heavily on our right flank. Attempts
were made to get to Fosse 8, both over the open and up com-
munication trenches, but the intensity of the German machine-
guns made these efforts impossible. We managed to get one
Vickers gun, without tripod, into the Redoubt and some very
good work was done with this in repelling minor counter-attacks.
Several small bombing parties attempted to come over the top
and were at once wiped out. The Redoubt was so knocked
about that two officers were killed in the trench whilst talking
to me, both by machine-gun bullets. I discovered in the evening
that I was the only officer left in my battalion (I had previously
been Machine-Gun Officer) and that the i/4th Leicesters had
none. Informed Brigade. Later the 1 st Monmouths (Pioneer
Battalion attached to our Division) came up to help to consolidate
the position. A fresh trench was dug in front and it was wired.
Things were very quiet during the night, but the Germans
brought up guns during the night and on the 14th shelled our
original front line heavily. At 8 a.m., we were relieved by the
1 /8th Sherwood Foresters. . . . We went into the show about
twenty-three officers 1 and eight hundred and fifty men and came
out with one officer and about one hundred and ten men. . . .
Nothing could have been more admirable than the way the men
behaved in this, their first battle."
The above narrative by Captain Madge is an excellent sum-
mary of what actually happened to the 1 /$th Battalion : the
attackers got across No Man's Land and into the Redoubt
splendidly and then advanced on Fosse Trench, only to be mown
down by violent machine-gun and rifle-fire.
Another account states that an advance by bombing was made
up North Face and a post formed in that trench. On the night
1 The casualties among officers of the i /5th Lincolnshire were: killed— Major H.L
Robinson, Capt. and Adjutant V.de Hoghton, Captains H.S. Scorer, H.W. Nicholson,
G.H. Sowter, Lieutenant W.L. Hartley, and 2nd Lieutenants P.K. Brown, E.E. Early,
J.A.B. Jollye, C.B. Shrewsbury and T, Wright ; died of wounds — 2nd Lieutenant J.
Blunt ; wounded-— Lieut.-Colonel T.E. Sandall, Major H.G. Wilson, Lieutenants B.C.
Hall, C.F.W. Haseldine, F.L. Jones, H.B. Mountain, J.S. Nicholls, D.F. Underwood,
and 2nd Lieutenants R.L. Hett and W.H.G. Smyth.
127
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
of the 1 3th /14th October, however, the 1 / 5th Battalion as a
whole held West Face of the Hohenzollern Redoubt.
The 1 /4th Lincolnshire (Lieut.-Colonel C. Heathcote com-
manding), supporting the Leicesters and 1 /$th Battalion, crossed
the front-line trenches and went forward to the Redoubt in four
lines. Their Diary records : " Redoubt taken, but at heavy
cost. Incessant bombing, machine-gun and rifle-fire all the
evening, also shelling. Gas and smoke were used to cover the
advance but apparently with little damage to the enemy." They
also were relieved on the morning of the 14th and came out of
the line having suffered terribly. Their casualties were ten
m**f£u,K>t»f*& •
GAS MASKS AND STEEL HELMETS, AUTUMN I915
officers and three hundred and eighty-five other ranks, killed,
wounded and missing. 1
Many gallant deeds were performed on that day of hard
fighting, but only a few are recorded.
Corporal C. Leadbeater, I /$th Lincolnshire, who had been
awarded a D.C.M. for gallantry at Ypres on 30th September,
won a bar to his decoration. He was most conspicuous amongst
many brave n.c.o.s, who had to take charge when their officers
had been shot down. Leadbeater, on 13th October, took charge
of a point in North Face and, when the bombers were unable to
1 The casualties among officers of the i/4th Lincolnshire were : killed — Captain C.S,
Gray, 2nd Lieutenants L. Anderson, E.D. Clkby, T,B. Wood, and H.T. Brunwin-
Hales 5 died of wounds — Captain WJ. Johnson ; wounded — Major Cooper, Captain
Hart, and 2nd Lieutenant Winkley j missing — Lieutenant Fripp.
128
THE 4th & 5th LINCOLNSHIRE [oct, 191$
advance further up that trench, he built a barricade and con-
solidated the trench. He spent that night in bombing fights
with the enemy and when daylight came on the 14th, regardless
of all personal danger, acted as stretcher-bearer.
Company-Sergeant-Major A. Peasgood, of the 1 /4th Lin-
colnshire was another n.c.o. who, for conspicuous gallantry on
the 13th and 14th, was awarded the D.C.M. When in charge
of a party of about twenty men " in the south part " (South Face
is probably meant here) he organised bombing parties and, with
the greatest courage and resource, held his position from 3 p.m.
on the 1 3th throughout the night and until after midday on 14th,
and during the afternoon he was still holding the same position,
although his party had been reduced to six. He refused to
relinquish his post when the rest of his battalion was relieved by
fresh troops. At the time he was suffering from a wound in the
chest received on the afternoon of the 13 th. 1
Two more men of the 1 /4th, one Corporal C.W. Jackson and
the other Private F. Hibbs, were awarded the D.C.M. for con-
spicuous gallantry during the attack on the Hohenzollern
Redoubt. Corporal Jackson organised bombing parties to hold
back the Germans, who were bombing from " Big Willie."
When darkness had fallen he collected six more men and held
the enemy till dawn, by which time both he and all his party
had been either killed or wounded. Hibbs was a signaller at
Battalion Headquarters and carried out his duties most gallantly,
making perilous journeys between the old British front line and
the Redoubt in an endeavour to run a telephone wire across.
Eventually his efforts were successful. Throughout, his cool-
ness set a fine example.
Private C.A. Hocknall, of the r/5th Lincolnshire, who
remained in a shell-hole, under heavy shell-fire and machine-gun
fire, in order to tend a wounded officer whom he carried back
when darkness fell to the British line, was awarded a Military
Medal.
Sergeant W.E. Hamp and Lance-Corporal A.C. Ingamells,
both of the 1 /$th Battalion, were also awarded the M.M. for
showing great personal gallantry.
The 1 /4th and r/$tn, on relief on the 14th withdrew to the
second-line trenches, but during the evening they were again
relieved and moved back to the Lancashire trenches. On the
15th they proceeded to Vermelles, thence by bus to their old
billets in Hesdigneul.
Both battalions fought most gallantly in the operations of the
13th and 14th October : they captured a position powerfully
1 Capt. and Adjutant E.J. Grinling of the l /4th Lincolnshire was awarded the M.C. for
gallantry during the attack on the Hohenzollern Redoubt on 13th October.
K I29
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
defended by the enemy and inflicted on their opponents heavy
losses. The survivors of the two battalions, though shaken by
their experiences in their first great battle, set about the task of
reorganisation with undiminished spirit.
The 46th Division was congratulated by the Corps Com-
mander (Lieut-General Sir R. Haking) on the manner in which
the attack against the Hohenzollern Redoubt and Fosse 8 had
been carried out.
XII
THE 46TH DIVISION EMBARKS FOR EGYPT
On the 1 5th October the 4th and 5th Lincolnshire moved by
motor lorry to Hesdigneul, where drafts were received and
training carried out, and on the 26th to Verquin (two miles south
of Bethune), Here a composite brigade, which included the
the 4th Battalion, was formed from the 46th Division, for inspec-
tion by His Majesty the King. The Diary of the 4th Battalion
mentions the accident to His Majesty : " The King was crushed
by his horse rolling on him shortly after inspecting the Com-
posite Brigade of the 46th Division." Fortunately the con-
sequences of this alarming accident were not so serious as they
might have been.
November was passed in the front line near Neuve Chapelle,
where the ground was in an awful condition ; trenches were
impossible and breastworks built of sandbags afforded the only
cover : and the rain and hostile shell-fire frequently levelled
them to the ground. Only two days were spent in the front
line in December ; the remainder of the month was spent at
Le Sart and Thiennes (eleven miles south-east of St. Omer).
The prospect of a long winter in the trenches was dispelled
during the month by orders to the 46th Division to embark for
Egypt at an early date, and on the 7th January both battalions
left Marseilles in T.S.S. " Anchises." The vessel reached
Alexandria on the 13th and they left by rail for El Shalufa, two
miles south of the Bitter Lakes, where, after detraining, they
crossed the Suez Canal by ferry, and bivouacked to the east of it.
By day the desert to the east was patrolled by Indian Lancers,
but by night each battalion, in turn, furnished an outpost line
roundthe camp. The days were very hot, and the nights cold ;
any wind that blew carried clouds of dust ; nevertheless a fort-
night passed very pleasantly.
This peaceful existence came to an end when the 46th
130
EGYPT— THE SOMME [feb-june, I9 r6
Division received sudden orders to return to France, and on the
4th February the 4th Battalion embarked at Alexandria on the
" Minnewaska," and the 5th on the " Megantic," disembarking
at Marseilles on the 9th. 1
Both battalions went by rail to Pont Remy (south-east of
Abbeville) and after several changes of station eventually reached
Doullens, in heavy snow, on the 2nd March. The 46th Division
was then ordered to relieve French troops in the sector south of
Souchez (five miles west by south-west of Lens), and on the 10th
March the 5th Lincolnshire took over front-line trenches near
Villers-au-Bois, the 4th moving into the support line in the Talus
des Zouaves,
The £th had a sharp tussle with the enemy on the 12th March
when the Germans exploded a mine under the parapet, followed
by a bombing attack. In this affair Sergeant Warren showed
great coolness, and resource, under heavy fire in repelling the
attack, and was later awarded the M.M.
The 4th Battalion went into the front line on the 14th and lost
two officers during the tour : 2nd Lieutenant H.B. Newland 2
on the 1 6th, and 2nd Lieutenant E.L. Stephenson on the 1 7th.
On the 20th April the enemy blew a mine nearly under the front-
line trench, and 2nd Lieutenant W.R. Wright, and fifteen other
ranks lost their lives, being buried eight feet or more.
Lieut.-Colonel Sandall, wounded in the attack on the Hohen-
zollern Redoubt, rejoined the £th Battalion on the 6th April to
the delight of all ranks.
Both battalions were sent to the north of Arras for carrying
duties with the 51st Brigade, until the 9th May, and then, at
Sus-St. Leger, were employed in making fascines and similar
work until the 2rst. From Sus-St. Leger the 4th Battalion
moved to Fonquevillers, and the 5th to Bienyillers, both being
strenuously engaged in digging communication trenches and
other work in preparation for the contemplated attack on the
German positions. Lieut.-Colonel Gardener, of the 4th, was
seriously wounded in the head whilst watching the work, and
Lieut-Colonel C.J. Barrel took command on the 8 th June.
On the 27th June the 4th went into front-line trenches oppo-
site Gommecourt, where No Man's Land was wide, and a
raiding party, Lieutenant C.N. Bond, 2nd Lieutenants E. Elliott,
Quantrail, and thirty-four other ranks " went over " on the night
of the 2 9th /30th to take prisoners, and ascertain the condition
1 The evacuation of the Gallipoli Peninsula set free a large number of troops for service
in Egypt and the 46th Division was in consequence ordered back to France,
2 2nd Lieutenant Newland died of wounds on the 18th, see By Authority. Officers died
in the' Great War. He is shown as 1st Battalion. 2nd Lieutenant Wright died on the
aoth, see the same publication. For the Other Ranks, see By Authority. Soldiers died in
the Great War. Both these works are printed and published by H.M.'s Stationery Office.
131
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
of the German trenches. They were discovered by a German
listening post, and German infantry in force attempted to sur-
round them, but were beaten off. Lieutenant Bond was wounded
in the neck, and died on the way to the dressing station, 1 and one
other rank was slightly wounded. No prisoners were taken by
either side. A false trench was dug during the night of the
30th, which was successful in drawing the enemy's artillery,
when our attack began on the 1st July. The 5th Battalion was
in Divisional Reserve at Warlincouft on the night of the 30th
June.
XIII
THE ACTIONS OF THE BLUFF ! I4TH— I5TH FEBRUARY AND
2ND MARCH, I916
From the 25th September to the end of 1915, the 7th Lin-
colnshire remained in the neighbourhood of Ypres. Enemy
action was more vigorous in this part of the line, though spas-
modic, than farther south j German trench-mortars and snipers
causing constant annoyance and loss. Lieutenant H. Ormesher
was killed on the 5th October.
Towards the end of the month the battalion moved to Maple
Copse (one thousand yards east of Zillebeke) and on the 10th
November to a new sector north of the Menin road. The water
here stood knee-deep, and rain had played havoc with parapet and
parados. "Trench Foot" appeared. On the 17th the bat-
talion was relieved after a week of intense suffering. Tours were
reduced, in December, to forty-eight hours in these trenches, as
it was considered that no man could endure longer. Captain
T.A. Peddie, and 2nd Lieutenant E.J. Fisher were wounded on
the 9 th. On the 19th the enemy's guns put down five barrages,
so intense that it was impossible to hear conversation. 2nd
Lieutenant F.L. Nightingale and two other ranks were killed,
and Captain C.F. Drought, and sixteen other ranks wounded.
The cannonade, from both British and German guns, continued
on the 20th and 21st. Lieut.-Colonel Forrest, commanding
the battalion, wrote : " The night of the 20th was on the whole
the worst we have had. I cannot speak too highly of the behaviour
of ail ranks during a somewhat trying period of duty during
which any sleep or rest were quite impossible ... the courage
and devotion of the runners and orderlies were remarkable.
1 Lieutenant Bond's name is not in the regimental List of Officers -who died in the war,
published by authority ; perhaps attached from another regiment ?
132
THE BLUFF
[FEB.-MAR., 1916
Wires were cut practically throughout the forty-eight hours,
and nearly all messages had to be sent by hand." Sergeant G.
Stevens (who served in the 1st Battalion in the Sudan Expedition
1898) was mentioned as having acted with great gallantry.
The year closed with the battalion still in the trenches near
Hooge ; but in January 1 9 1 6 the battalion was relieved for rest
and training at Hellebrouck, near St. Omer, returning on the
7th February to trenches at the " Bluff." Mining was very
active here, and on the nth the enemy broke into one of our
mine galleries ; the mining officer waited, and when a German
put his head through the hole, shot him dead. He then exploded
-A
i
r
/
Voormezeele
S^\& TbeBhxFf /
^95^1 if
St.EloN
1000
2ooo Yards
II Scale
a charge, and blew in the German gallery. Captain B.P.
Neville was killed on this day.
The 1 7th Division, after a month of rest and training in the
neighbourhood of St. Omer returned in February to the Ypres
front, and took over from the 3rd Division a sector extending
from St. Eloi on the right, across the Ypres-Comines Canal, to
the line of the Ypres-Comines railway. It included ground
just north of the canal, won from the enemy early in 1 9 1 5, where
there is a steep rise called on the British war maps the Bluff.
For some distance along the north bank of the canal the debris
excavated to make the cutting through the ridge which divides
the flat lands of the Yser from the valley of the Lys, formed a
long bank, twenty to thirty feet high, extending to the lower
133
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
slopes of the Bluff. This bank was fringed with trees or
the ragged remains of them.
The Bluff was of very great importance for observation,
but was not easy to hold, for the enemy had not been cleared
from the crest and still held the eastern margin, with their sup-
ports on the reverse slope.
On the 8th February the 17th Division took over the sector ;
the Germans, after a period of comparative quiet on the Ypres
front, again became active, and on the 14th, after some hours
of intensive gun and mortar-fire on the entrenchments held by
the 17th Division, exploded three mines on the side of the
Bluff near the canal, and, with their bombers in front, rushed
the ruined trenches there, and began to work their way into the
defences to the north of it. At this time, about 5.40 p.m., the
52nd Brigade held the right of the line, and the 51st (Brig.-
General Fell) the left, north of the canal. The 52nd Brigade
being responsible for the defence of the line where the canal
passed through it, its left battalion, 10th Lancashire Fusiliers,
held the Bluff defences close to the north bank. The 10th
Sherwoods, on the right, and 8 th Staffords, on the left, holding
the 51st Brigade front, with the 7th Lincolnshire in support on
the bank of debris, referred to above, and the 7th Borders in
reserve.
After the first local gain on the Bluff the enemy gained
ground slowly ; there was confused fighting, often hand-to-hand,
along a front of some five hundred yards northward from the
canal bank. The first reinforcement for the defence was sup-
plied by the 7th Lincolnshire. Lieut-Colonel Forrest, who
commanded it, was told to report to the Commanding Officer of
the right sector battalion (10th Sherwood Foresters), who ordered
the Headquarters of the Lincolnshire to keep under cover at
Kingsway Redoubt, where the whole battalion was concentrated,
though only for a while as companies were sent off to reinforce
or support the Sherwood Foresters.
During the night and early morning of the 15th a counter-
attack was made on the enemy holding New Year Trench, in
which C Company, under Captain A.H.W. Burton, took part ;
but this attempt, and another a couple of hours later, was repulsed.
The position on the 1 5th was that the crest of the Bluff,
and the trenches north of it as far as the long sloping hollow,
known as the Ravine, were held by the enemy, but the support
line remained in our hands.
During the day the Lincolnshire in the trenches (with the
exception of D Company, attached to the 8th South Staffords)
were relieved by the 7th East Yorkshires (50th Brigade) and
moved back to the Kingsway dug-outs.
134
THE 7th LINCOLNSHIRE [ FE b.-mar„ t 9 i6
Another counter-attack was ordered to take place at 9 p.m.
on the 15th by the 51st Brigade, to which the 6th Dorsets and
the East Yorkshire were attached. 1 Strong bombing parties
from all four battalions of the Brigade were to attack the enemy
as follows : (a) the South Stafford bombers, starting from the
northern side of the ravine in trench 33, were to bomb down
towards trench 32 ; (b) the Border bombers, from the junction
of Deeside and 33s were to bomb towards 33, where they were
to amalgamate with the South Stafford bombers and then bomb
towards trench 32 ; (c) the Lincolnshire and Sherwood bombers,
from the junction of 37s and Wood Street, were to bomb towards
trench 32. On reaching the front line the Sherwood bombers
were to turn north and bomb towards the Borders and South
StafFords, while the Lincolnshire bombers turned south and
bombed down trenches 31 and 31A ; (d) cyclist bombers,
starting from the junction of Hedge Row and 31s were to amal-
gamate with the Lincolnshire and work with them down trenches
31 and 31A ; (e) the bombers attached to the East Yorkshire
were to bomb from Angle Trench up trench 30 and along Loop
Trench.
Colonel Forrest issued orders accordingly to his bombing
officers and their squads. The strength of bombing parties was
to be eight, each party having a carrying party of thirty, all of
whom were to be trained bombers : six bayonet men were to
accompany each bombing squad. Forward dumps, in charge
of officers, were formed, from which supplies of bombs were to
be replenished.
The attack started up to time, but the enemy's shell-fire was
heavy and many casualties were sustained among the bombing
and carrying parties. Moreover the supplies of bombs were
continually running short, one officer for instance, Lieutenant
D.A. Jones, reporting that he had reached the enemy's front line,
but owing to the carriers having lost touch for a while his
supplies of bombs ran out and he was forced to return.
All night long the attack continued, but no progress was made.
Early on the morning of the 16th a report was received that the
Dorsets had recaptured the Bluff, but it was ^ incorrect and
when dawn broke the enemy still held all his gains of the 14th
February.
The 7th Lincolnshire held their position throughout the day,
and at 1 a.m. on the 17th, were relieved and moved back to
Camp B. A message was received later from the General Officer
Commanding 17th Division (Pilcher), stating that : " He con-
siders that the behaviour of every unit of this Brigade (51st)
1 The Dorsets were ordered up from Dickebusche for the counter-attack on the
Bluff.
'35
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
during the last few days has been magnificent and entirely worthy
of the famous regiments to which they belong. He considers
no troops could have done more than was done by this
Brigade."
The losses of the 7th Lincolnshire from the 14th to 17th
February were one officer and twenty-five other ranks killed,
seven officers and seventy-one other ranks wounded and three
other ranks missing. 1
Throughout the remainder of February the battalion did not
again go into the front-line trenches, but spent the 18th and 19th
at Reninghelst, and the 20th to the 29th near Ouderdom.
It was decided that another attempt to recapture the Bluff
should be made, but this time, after long and careful preparation.
The 76th Brigade (Brig.-General Pratt) from the 3rd Division
was placed at the disposal of the General Officer Commanding
1 7th Division. Near Reninghelst a full-scale model of the Bluff
was made, and for several days the 76th Brigade, with the 7th
Lincolnshire and Sherwoods, practised the attack on the model
enemy position. A stratagem was introduced into the artillery
work designed to delude the enemy into keeping under cover at
the moment of the assault. It was effected by a daily routine of
two short bursts of fire and a short pause between and then quiet.
The Germans were in the habit of remaining under cover until
after the second burst of fire.
The 76th Brigade, with the 7th Lincolnshire, and the 10th
Sherwoods, relieved the 52nd Brigade in the trenches facing the
German lines on the evening of the 1st March. At 4 a.m. on
the 2nd March parties of our men crawled quietly forward and
gathered in groups, lying down near the German wire, which
was found to be in bad condition. At 4.30 a.m., there was a
sudden burst of heavy fire, which the enemy was accustomed to
regard as invariably followed by a pause and a second short
burst and then quiet, so that when our men went over the top and
into the German trenches, the Germans were completely taken
by surprise, and our guns re-opened with raised sights, heavily
barraging the enemy's communications.
The rapid capture of the front line was followed by steady
progress into the support trenches, whilst the Lincolnshire
rushed up their machine-guns and took heavy toll of a mass of
retiring enemies. The battalion was told off to support the
9th King's Own, who were to attack the Bean Salient, and the
1st Gordons, who were to assault the trenches in the north-west
corner of the Bean. D Company (Captain Legard) was sent to
1 Officer casualties : 2nd Lieutenant H. Hall killed ; Captain W. Hill> Lieutenant C.H,
Waldron and znd Lieutenants A.W.S. Cowie, Lluellyn, Lane-Clayton, D.A. Jones and
Parsloe wounded.
I36
THE 7th LINCOLNSHIRE [mah.-jtoe, m 6
assist the second attack made by the ist Gordons on their
objective.
The German guns shelled the position, which they had lost
during the 2nd March, and the whole night of the 2nd /3rd.
" I have always regarded the concentrated gun fire put down on
us by the Germans during and after our recapture of the Bluff
as the heaviest bombardment I ever experienced." (Brig.-General
Metcalfe, then Cap tain > *}th Battalion?)
The Bluff was captured from us on the 14th February by
one German regiment and recaptured on the 2nd March from
another ; the former never forgave the latter. By their own
showing, therefore, the loss of the Bluff was a serious blow
to German moral. (From the history of the German 2jth Division
(Brig.-General Metcalfe).)
The casualties of the 7th Lincolnshire were very heavy :
Lieutenant C.H. Waldron and thirty-three other ranks killed,
five officers and one hundred and seventy-eight other ranks
wounded, and sixteen other ranks missing, a total of two hundred
and thirty-three of all ranks. Immediate rewards of four M.C.'s
and eight D.C.M.'s, and praise from General Plumer (Lord
Plumer) when he inspected the battalion later in the month near
Bailleul. 1
At 10 p.m. on the 3rd the Lincolnshire were relieved and
marched to a rest camp at La Clytte, and from there to billets
near Bailleul till the 19 th March, when it went into the front line
near Armentieres. Next day Captain J.A. Graham was killed
by a sniper. By the end of April the depleted ■ ranks of the
battalion were made up by drafts to thirty-two officers and eight
hundred and seventy other ranks.
About the middle of May the battalion (with other units of
the brigade) moved to Hellebrouck, a training area near St.
Omer, remaining there until the nth June, when it entrained
for the Somme area ; detraining at Longeau next day, and
marching to Allonville, where training and working parties
occupied it for a fortnight. On the 30th it moved to Morlan-
court to take part in the Battle of Albert.
1 Captains A.H.W. Burton and C. Legard, 2nd Lieutenants H.T. Gregory, H.J. Gwyn
(died of wounds 3rd March, 1916) and N.E. Broadbent.
Captains C. Legard and H.V. White, R.A.M.C. (attached), Lieutenants D.A. Jones
and D. Roberts were awarded the M.C. ; Sergeant G.H. Simons, Lance-Corporals H.
Keeble, F. Fowler, H.W. Kelby, Privates F. Milburn, J. Wallis, C. Bellinger and J.
Davenport the D.C.M.
Lieut.-Colonel J. Forrest was made a C.M.G., and Major F.E. Metcalfe a D.S.O., in
the London Gazette of the 3rd June, and Captain J.A. Graham mentioned in despatches,
in the Gazette of the 15th June, 1916.
J 37
THIS IS A BLANK PAGE
PART FOUR
THE DARDANELLES CAMPAIGN
1915
THIS IS A BLANK PAGE
THE DARDANELLES [r9rs
I
THE LANDING AT SUVLA BAY : 6TH-I5TH AUGUST, 191^
THE story of the Lincolnshire Regiment in the Great War
turns now from France and Flanders to the Dardanelles,
where, on the sandy shores of Suvk Bay, the 6th (Service)
Battalion, with other troops of the nth Division, landed on the
night 6th /7th August.
The general situation which led to the Battles of Suvk in
August 1 9 1 5 may be summed up as follows : after the landing
on the southern shores of the Peninsula and at Anzac on the
. 25th April, the attacks of the 6th /8 th May had demonstrated
the impossibility of capturing the Narrows with the comparatively
weak force at the disposal of the Commander-in-Chief. In June
Sir Ian Hamilton was promised three regular divisions and the
infantry of two Territorial divisions : these troops were to arrive
in July and their concentration at Mudros was to be completed
by 10th August. Several methods of employing these fresh
troops presented themselves, but the plan finally decided upon
was : " Reinforcement of the Australian and New Zealand
Army Corps (at Anzac) combined with a landing in Suvk Bay.
Then, with one strong push, to capture Hill 305 1 and, working
from that dominating point, to grip the waist of the Peninsula.
{Official despatches.)
Among the fresh troops promised to Sir Ian Hamilton was
the nth Division (Hammersley), consisting of the 32nd, 33rd
and 34th Infantry Brigades.
.The 6th (Service) Battalion of the Lincolnshire Regiment
with the 6th Border Regiment, 7th South Staffordshire Regiment
and 9th Sherwood Foresters, formed the 33rd Infantry Brigade, 2
which was raised at Grantham in August 19 14 and remained
encamped there until early in April 1915. On the 4th of that
nionth the nth Division moved to the Rugby area, thence to
Whitley and Farnham, the 33rd Brigade taking over a tented
camp at Frensham. Here, until the end of June, the brigade
was training. On the 1 st July the brigade sailed from Liverpool,
escorted by two destroyers as far as the Scilly Islands ; but there
was no escort to Alexandria or Mudros. 3
Hill 3 o 5 was the highest point on the Sari Bair Ridge and lay north-east of Anzac t
a^i. ° almost du "ectly south of Biyuk Anafarta, one of the villages east of Suvk Bay.
Hie 3 3 rd Brigade was commanded by Brig.-General R.P. Maxwell, late Lincolnshire
«eg lm ent. He gave up command of the ist Battalion in March 1914, having served
"woughout with the Regiment. The Brigade Major (33"* Brigade) was Captain F.G.
°pnng, also of the Lincolnshire Regiment, and Captain Hoad, of the same Regiment,
was Staff Captain. S
Mudros is on the Island of Lemnos, one of the islands in the JEgean Sea.
141
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
The " Empress of Britain," carrying the 33rd Brigade, reached
Alexandria on the 12th July, where it was delayed four days to
fill up with water, arriving at Mudros on the 1 8 th. The troops-
were transferred to small steamers there, and carried to the
southern end of Cape Helles, where they moved into trawlers for
landing on the peninsula. The 6th Lincolnshire went straight
to " V " Beach and disembarked from lighters. Other units of
the Brigade were landed wherever the captain of each trawler
could put them ashore ; this was owing to the severe shelling
of the beach. The Brigade was not collected till noon the next
day, just north-west of Sedd-el-Bahr.
The 33rd Brigade now came under the orders of the Naval
BflBROS
Suvla:
10
=1=
Scale
2.
so Miles
Division, which at this period, after very severe fighting, was
tired and weak and greatly in need of relief. The brigade,
therefore, took over the whole of the front line held by the Naval
Division, which extended about one thousand yards across the
Achi Baba Nallah, with its left about fifteen hundred yards south,
and a little east of Krithia.
Very keen, very anxious to get to grips with the enemy, the
6th Lincolnshire at first went into reserve trenches at 4 p.m. on
20th, but on the following day moved into the front line. The
trenches were in a very bad state, in many places they were only
half completed and exposed to the fire of Turkish snipers. But
at once the battalion set to work to deepen and strengthen the
defences, the enemy keeping up an almost continuous deadly
rifle-fire, particularly at night. The Lincolnshire snipers,
however, soon equalised matters.
The 6th Lincolnshire had four casualties — all wounded — on
142
THE 6th LINCOLNSHIRE [ATC . 6th- 7 th, t9ts
the 2 1 st July. These were the first suffered by the battalion in
the Great War. On the 2 2 nd Company-Quartermaster-Sergeant
Wrightson was hit whilst coming up to the line from the beach.
The fiPst officer casualty is recorded on 31st July, when 2nd
Lieutenant T.D. Overton was killed by a bullet through the head.
After six days in the front line the Lincolnshire withdrew in
reserve, about five hundred yards in rear, though still under shell-
fire. The casualties suffered by the Battalion from the 20th to
the 31st July inclusive were one officer and six other ranks killed
and thirty-two other ranks wounded. Another short tour in the
forward trenches followed and then on the night of ist/2nd
August the Lincolnshire were relieved by French Senegalese
troops, and the 33 rd Brigade re-embarked on vessels for Imbros,
rejoining the two other brigades of the 1 ith Division,
The period spent at Helles was a great asset to the 6th Bat-
talion and other troops of the brigade. The men got over their
natural nervousness when under fire, and the first sensations
of seeing their comrades killed or wounded. They became
inured to the hard conditions of the firing line and acquired self-
confidence. But the incredible filth, stench and flies all over the
lines sowed the seeds of dysentery, from which the brigade never
entirely recovered. It was no fault of our men who, when not
in the trenches, had to bury innumerable dead, fill up latrines,
burn rubbish and clear up all round.
The Division was informed that it would shortly take part
in a landing at Suvla Bay in conjunction with an attack from
Anzac, push on to the eastern crest of the Gallipoli Peninsula,
and so cut off the Turks opposed to the British and French troops
operating from the south.
The landing took place on the night of 6th/7th August. For
several days the troops had practised embarking and disembark-
ing from lighters, so that when on the afternoon of the 6th the
final embarkation took place, the operation was quickly carried
out. The 33rd Brigade, however, had only three destroyers
and three lighters allotted to it and much discomfort was suffered
by the troops as they were packed so closely together that it was
hardly possible to move. For hours they were crowded together
as the time of departure from the harbour was to be 8 p.m.
When darkness fell, the destroyers, each towing a lighter
(called " Beetles ") moved slowly out of Imbros Harbour. The
night was still and the setting forth of that extraordinary fleet of
small vessels was a sight never to be forgotten. Absolute silence
was enjoined on the crowds of khaki-clad troops packed closely
on the decks.
Divisional Operation Orders stated that the tasks allotted to
the Division were to secure the landings on Beaches B, C and A
143
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
(the beaches were in that order from right to left), and SuvlaBay
generally for the disembarkation of the ioth Division and stores.
With these objectives the 33rd Brigade (less two battalions^ was
to secure the right flank of the Division by taking up a position
from the right of the landing place (Beach B) to the south-eastern
corner of the Salt Lake. The 32nd Brigade was to seize Lala
Baba, and the 34th Brigade was to carry Ghazi Baba and Hill 10.
OF
SJLROS
The Landing of"
the xrDwisiotf
Suvla.
Point
Scale
2000 3000jds,
In pitch darkness, with every light " doused," the destroyers,
with their " Beetles " in tow, approached Suvla. It was 1 1.30
p.m., when the lighters carrying the 33rd Brigade grounded on
B Beach, south of the 32nd Brigade, which was then landing at
C Beach. Beyond a few shots from Turkish snipers, the landing
was effected without opposition.
The 7th South Staffords and 9th Sherwood Foresters were
first ashore and were ordered to take up a line from the south-
eastern corner of the Salt Lake to the beach. Brigade Head-
quarters, the 6th Lincolnshire, 6th Border Regiment and the
Divisional Pioneers (6th East Yorkshire) followed in Divisional
144
CHOCOLATE HILL [AUG . 7T „, I91 - 5
Reserve, with orders to be at the junction of the Azmak with the
Anafarta Sagir-Suvla Point road at dawn on the 7th.
The 34th Brigade meanwhile experienced difficulty in landing
at A Beach, where opposition was encountered from a small
Turkish redoubt on Hill 10, rifle-fire also being opened on the
brigade from Lala Baba and Ghazi Baba. The West Yorkshire
and Green Howards of the 32 nd Brigade, however, stormed Lala
Baba from the south and finally the 34th Brigade got ashore.
The 32nd Brigade then advanced to support the 34th Brigade
along the narrow Isthmus between Lala Baba and Hill 10, which
separated the Salt Lake from Suvla Bay.
The 6th Lincolnshire, with other troops in Divisional Reserve,
followed the 32nd Brigade. The Salt Lake at this period was
dry 1 : it was connected with Suvla. Bay by a small inlet (later
named " The Cut "), also dry.
Half-way across the Isthmus fighting was seen in the neigh-
bourhood of Hill 10. Day was now breaking and the Lincoln-
shire who, with Brigade Headquarters, were leading, came under
fire from Turks on the northern shore of Salt' Lake.
The 33 rd Brigade, less two battalions, was in column of
route •; when day broke the head of the column, the 6th Lincoln-
shire, was close to the rear of the 32nd Brigade, then in the act
of crossing ''The Cut." For the moment the two battalions of
the 33rd Brigade were not required, and as they were exposed
to^ fire, the Brigade Commander formed them into column, the
Lincolnshire facing north across the Isthmus, digging cover for
themselves in the scrub and .soft. sand. Here they waited in
Divisional Reserve, until at 2 p.m. they were ordered to advance
in support of the 10th Division and seize Chocolate Hill.
C and D Companies of the Lincolnshire, supported by A and
B Companies, advanced immediately in artillery formation and
passed along the northern shore of Salt Lake.
The final advance was carried out across the Lake itself, the
troops advancing in lines in extended order in absolute parade-
ground formation. It was a magnificent spectacle, and brought
forth exclamations of admiration from all who saw it. An
Australian Staff Officer, who with others watched the attack from
the heights of Anzac, said to an officer of the battalion after-
wards : "What a wonderful attack that was across the Salt
Lake ! We watched it go right over. Do you know who
carried it out ?"
Both the 6th Lincolnshire and 6 th Borders went forward in
fine style without faltering. At the foot of Chocolate Hill
(another name for which is .Hill $3) and about six hundred to
seven hundred yards from the summit, they came upon and
1 Though covered with caked mud which made movement difficult.
L 145
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
passed through the right of some troops of the ioth Division,
then halted under cover. Here they re-formed and prepared to
storm the hill. The 6th Border Regiment had come up on the
left of the Lincolnshire, the two battalions facing south-east. At
this place, some two hundred yards from the north-west foot of
Chocolate Hill, were found supports of the Royal Dublin
Fusiliers.
D and B Companies, advancing in short rushes through the
Dublin Fusiliers, began the attack. By this time the enemy's
fire was heavy, shrapnel shells and machine-gun and rifle bullets
sweeping the line of advance. Major Norton (D Company) was
hit and the command devolved upon Captain Duck. Companies
ATTACK CHOCOLATE HILL
then became more or less split up owing to casualties, the heavy
fire being directed upon them and the small party of Dublin
Fusiliers scattered about under cover. The battalion was, there-
fore, reorganised and B and A Companies prepared for the assault.
One officer and a few men of the Dublin Fusiliers joined
themselves to the two forward companies of the Lincolnshire,
who, now under a heavy rifle-fire, began the assault of the hill.
In short rushes they advanced up the slopes until they reached
some dead ground about one hundred yards from the crest.
Here they halted under cover for half an hour whilst the divisional
artillery and machine-gun sections played upon the Turkish
positions above.
The order to charge was given and, with a rush and cheering
146
ISMAIL OGLU TEPE [AU0 . 7TH , ms
wildly, the Turkish redoubt and trenches on the top of the hill
were carried. Many Turks and a German officer were shot
down or bayoneted. A few escaped down a communication
trench on the reverse slope of the hill. Captain Duck and
Lieutenant L. Webber were the first to penetrate the enemy's
line, but the latter unfortunately was shot through the heart and
bayoneted upwards through the groin as he was actually crossing
the fire trench.
Chocolate Hill was captured by the 6th Lincolnshire Regi-
ment ; after the fighting was over, and the positions were being
consolidated and prepared against counter-attack another bat-
talion came up.
The casualties of the battalion in this attack were as follows :
Besides Lieutenant Webber, Major D'A.M. Fraser had been
killed, and Major Norton and Lieutenant C.C. Downes (died of
wounds nth November, I9I5)> 2nd Lieutenants Bird and
Hemsley wounded. The losses in other ranks were approxi-
mately eighty-four. The Lincolnshire had every reason to be
proud of this, their first fight with the enemy.
During the night Chocolate Hill was taken over by the 31st
Brigade and the Lincolnshire and Borders were ordered back
early on the morning of the 8 th to Divisional Reserve at Lala Baba.
There is another point concerning the capture of Chocolate
Hill by the 6th Lincolnshire which has hardly been appreciated.
It was one of the brightest spots in a day of otherwise gloomy
disappointment. Chocolate Hill and Karakol Dagh were the
most important captures of the 7th August. A secure footing
has been obtained on the shores of Suvla, but little else. " More
might well have been done, for the ' W ' Hills had not been
attacked, and we were still a long way from Anafarta village."
After the assault, the officer temporarily in command of the
Lincolnshire (Captain Hansen, later awarded the V.C.) and an
officer of the Borders, reconnoitred to the front, and actually
reached Ismail Oglu Tepe (Hill W) without opposition. This
hill was never captured, and its possession by the Turks cost
thousands of lives. The Officer Commanding the Lincolnshire
asked permission to take the hill whilst it was possible, as the
men were full of fight, but received a written order to withdraw
to Lala Baba.
The line of the 1 ith and 10th Divisions on the night of the
7th August ran approximately from about Hetman Chair, across
Chocolate Hill to Scimitar Hill and Sulajik, thence west of
Kuchuk Anafarta Ova to Kiretch Tepe Sirt. The 9th Sherwood
Foresters, 33rd Brigade, were still entrenching on a line from
south-eastern corner of the Salt Lake to B Beach.
When the landing took place at Suvla Bay on the 6th /7th
147
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
August there were very few Turkish troops in the Suvla and
Ejelmer areas, including those in the Anafarta villages.^ The
hours before their reinforcements could arrive were priceless.
The daylight hours of the 8th August held all the possibilities
of success. It is a matter of history that a great opportunity was
lost when the Expeditionary Force failed to advance to the
heights.
During the 8th August the Lincolnshire and Borders were in
Divisional Reserve, at Lala Baba, making trenches, which faced
north, north-east and east, round the spurs of the hill. Though
•naturally tired, they had plenty of food and enough water. They
were elated with their success at Chocolate Hill and hoped to
advance against Hill W during the day.
In the course of the afternoon, the Brigade Commander
(Maxwell) received personal instructions from the Commander
of the nth Division (Hammersley) for an attack at dawn on the
Anafarta Ridge, Hill W and Anafarta, on a frontage of about a
mile. It was explained to him that little opposition was expected.
The position to be attacked was pointed out by the Brigadier to
the Commanding Officers of the Lincolnshire, Borders and South
Staffords in daylight, and written orders sent out about 9 p.m.
The Brigadier was informed that the high ground from Scimitar
Hill to the north, and the west of Anafarta, was held by our
troops, so that his left flank was secure. In view of the nature of
the ground and extent of front a direct frontal attack was the only
one possible.
The three battalions (Border Regiment, South Staffords and
Lincolnshire, in that order from right to left) were to attack the
" Anafarta Ridge exclusive of Ismail Oglu Tepe and village of
Anafarta Sagir the frontage being about 1,800 yards."
The 6th Lincolnshire and 6th Border were to rendezvous on
the western side of Chocolate Hill, moving by the southern side
of Salt Lake. They were then to move to their positions of
deployment on each side of the 7th South Staffords. The latter
battalion was already practically on its position of deployment,
supposed to be covered by troops holding Hill 70, or Scimitar
The 6th Dublin Fusiliers (31st Brigade), attached to the 33^
Brigade, were to support the South Staffords or the flank
battalions as required.
At 2 a.m. on 9th the battalion left bivouacs near Lala Baba
and moved along the southern side of Salt Lake to Chocolate
Hill, where a short halt was called. But hardly had the troops
begun to advance on Ismail Oglu Tepe, i.e., Hill W, when heavy
x The troops holding Scimitar Hill were withdrawn during the night of 8th/9tb
August and the 33rd Brigade was not informed.
I48
ANAFARTA RIDGE [ AU g. 9th, 1915
rifle-fire broke out from the north-east and, at the same time, the
Turkish guns began to shell Chocolate Hill. No British troops
were in front of the Lincolnshire, South Staffords or Borders —
the Pioneer Battalion (West Yorkshire) had been withdrawn-r-
and Scimitar Hill was now held by the Turks, whose reinforce-
ments had at last arrived : they had swept down from the
heights and had occupied all the vantage points.
As soon as the rifle-fire (it was about 4.10 a.m.) opened on
them the attacking troops deployed, the Lincolnshire into two
lines of half battalions on a front of five hundred yards. A Com-
pany on the right, supported by D, and B on the left supported
by C. The guides who led the battalion forward now informed
the Commanding Officer that his companies were about one
hundred yards too much to the right. The direction was cor-
rected and the attack proceeded towards the Anafarta Ridge.
But it was already doubtful if the final objective could be reached.
Hill 70 was obviously held by the enemy in force.
The story of that attack is contained in the words of the
Commanding Officer, 6th Lincolnshire Regiment (Lieut.-Colonel
M.P.. Phelps) :
" The battalion reached this point " (Hill 70) " which I had
been told was held by one of our regiments " (the West York-
shire), " which information I had passed on to company com-
manders. When firing started I immediately went to the leading
companies, who pushed on, taking up a position along the forward
head of the hill. I there heard that the West Yorkshire had
retired from the hill and D Company was forced to turn half
left to meet an attack from the enemy on the flank. Casualties
began at once. I went to ' O ' where I found the line held, but
under very accurate and close, if not heavy, fire, both from the
front of B and the high ground beyond. I then went to the left
flank (near I.X.), where the men were quite steady and shooting
hard. There were many casualties from fire from A and the
high ground beyond it. I then fixed on a central point as
Battalion Headquarters. I and my Adjutant were there at
intervals during the entire action and sent messages from there.
A few reinforcements now began to arrive, a company or less at
a time, and went into the firing line. I then sent a report to
Headquarters asking for more reinforcements and ammunition.
I then went to X, where I found Major Yool of the South
Staffordshire Regiment. The trenches were full of dead and
wounded, and I believe this corner was hardly held all day, as
no one cared to go through the brush. As I returned, there
was a rush of men to the rear, belonging to other battalions sent
as reinforcements, which I, helped by Captain Hansen and
Captain Duck managed to stop, sending all these men back to
149
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
the firing line. There were several of these rushes (seven or
eight ; two at B), all of which we managed to stop, taking the
men back to the firing line. All the time shrapnel was bursting
among the men from the right front, this added to the casualties.
Fire came directly from the rear and pitched amongst the men
There is no doubt that this came from our own guns." (There
is a difference of opinion about this.' — Ed.)
" During this time three small fires started at I and 2, but
died down. A further fire started now, however, and got a
good hold of the scrub, driving back the men in the firing line
and making it almost impossible to see. Unfortunately there
were far too many wounded to bring away. At 12.15 p.m. I
reluctantly gave the order to withdraw, taking as many wounded
as we could. There were then only twenty-three men left on
the hill, 1 mostly men of the battalion. I retired on a trench
about three hundred yards in rear and took over a section of the
defence, which we immediately consolidated."
" Our losses were twelve officers killed, wounded and missing, 2
three hundred and ninety-one rank and file, out of seventeen
officers and five hundred and sixty-one rank and file who ori-
ginally started out, leaving the battalion five officers and one
hundred and seventy-four rank and file strong."
No sooner had the Lincolnshire reached their new line than
Captain P.H. Hansen, the Adjutant, calling for volunteers to
assist him, dashed back through clouds of smoke and a stream of
bullets into the burning scrub, which by now gave off a terrific
heat. He did this to save wounded men from being burned
alive. Six times he went three hundred yards into that inferno
and rescued six men from a most horrible death. He was
awarded the V.C. 3 Lance-Corporal A.H. Breeze and two others
who went out with Captain Hansen were awarded the D.C.M.
Many wounded were burned alive ; none of the battalion missing
were ever seen again.
The line formed by the Lincolnshire, just in rear of the burning
scrub, ran roughly from Hill 50 to Sulajik : here the 33rd Brigade
dug in during the night, joining up on the left with troops of the
3 2nd Brigade. The losses of the Lincolnshire have already been
1 " Several were killed on our way back."
2 The officers killed were .- Captains P.L. Browne and J.T. Lewis, Lieutenants T.G.
Parian, G.M Hewart, K.J.W. Peake, R.L. Cooke ; R.D. Foster and R.L. Hornsby were
presumed killed, they were missing and never seen again ; wounded Major W.E.W.
Elkmgton, Captain A.C. Croydon, Lieutenant C.H.A. French. Lieutenant C.C.
Downes was wounded on the 7th in the attack on Chocolate Hill and died of his wounds
on the nth.
z London Gazette, 1/10/15. "For most conspicuous bravery on 9 th August, 191$, at
Ydghm Burnu, Galkpoli Penmsula.". . . This officer was also awarded the M.C. of
GaUipoli, 9/10/15. Captain A.C. Croydon and Captain F.R, Duck were awarded the
M.C. on August 9th.
I50
SCIMITAR HILL [aug. 2 ist, i 9 r 5
given : the 6th Border Regiment came out of action with about
one hundred and eighty men. Of the Brigade Staff, the Brigade
Major (Major F.G. Spring, Lincolnshire Regiment) and the
Signalling Officer were wounded.
During the night of the 8th/9th and early morning of the 9th
August the 53rd (T) Division arrived in Suvla Bay and dis-
embarked. On the 10th another attempt was made to take the
Anafarta Ridge which failed. The troops employed were the
newly-arrived 53rd Division.
The 53rd Division advanced under shell-fire and reached a
front two hundred yards from the summit of the Hill. Their
right, .however, appeared to swing north instead of keeping
direction south-east and the advance stopped. Another attack
during the afternoon also failed and the Lincolnshire and other
battalions of the 33rd Brigade held on to the front they had
occupied the previous day.
On the 1 2 th the battalion was relieved and moved back to
the beach for a rest, where it remained until the night of the
20th /21st August, when it returned to the line to take part in
the battle described in the next chapter. So weak were the
Lincolnshire in numbers that they were reorganised into two
companies.
II
THE BATTLE OF SCIMITAR HILL I 2 1 ST AUGUST, -I915
THE ATTACK ON ISMAIL OGLU TEPE
After the failure of the attack by the 53rd Division on the
10th, nth and 12th August, the Turks entrenched all their
positions which commanded Suvla Bay, so that every part of it
was exposed to the fire of their guns. Reinforcements for the
Turks could be brought from the rear without being exposed
to view or fire ; but not a man of the British could cross the
Salt Lake, the main approaches, or certain of the beaches without
being seen and fired at.
General de Lisle having taken over the command of the forces
at Suvla, another attack on Ismail Oglu Tepe was contemplated.
The troops at his disposal already on the spot were the 10th
Division (less one brigade),and the 1 ith, 53rd and 54th Divisions,
reduced by casualties to a total strength of about thirty thousand
rifles ; these were reinforced before the battle by the 2nd Yeo-
manry Division (without horses) from Egypt, and the 29th
Division from the southern area of the Gallipoli Peninsula.
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
Ismail Oglu Tepe, which, had defied previous attempts 1 to
capture it, formed the south-western corner of the Anafarta
Sagir Spur. It was a strong, natural barrier, protecting the
Anafartas against invasion from the west. The hill rose some
three hundred and fifty feet from the plain, with steep spurs
jutting out to the west and south-west.' The great difficulty in
storming the hill was that the slopes were covered with dense
holly-oak scrub, so thick as to break up an attack and force the
troops to advance in single file along the goat tracks between the
bushes.
West of Ismail Oglu Tepe there was a strongly fortified
Turkish redoubt at Hetman Chair, from which communication
trenches led back to the former hill, There was another
Turkish trench, which ran in an almost southerly direction,, but
slightly south-east, towards Susak Kuyu, held as an advanced
post by the Turks.
The attack was timed to take place at 3 p.m. on the 21st
August. The orders for the attack were that whilst the 53 rd
and 54th Divisions held the enemy from Sulajik to Kiretch Tepe,
the 1 ith Division on the right and the 29th on the left were to
storm Ismail Oglu Tepe. The left of the Anzac Corps was to
co-operate by swinging forward its left to Susak Kuyu and
Kaiajik Aghala. The 32nd and 34th Brigades of the nth
Division, 34th on the right and 32nd on the left, were to attack
and capture Hetman Chair, and the 33rd Brigade was to drive
home the attack through the "C " of Hetman Chair, that is over
the highest point of the hill,
_ The battalions of the 33 rd Brigade advanced in artillery forma-
tion from Lala Baba, Sherwood Foresters leading, followed by the
Borders, South Staffords and Lincolnshire, in that order, soon
after 3 p.m. The South Staffords and Lincolnshire were so
weak in numbers that they were organized in two companies
instead of four. The Brigade was advancing when a large force
in close formation, the 2nd Yeomanry Division, suddenly ap-
peared from the south-eastern corner of Lala Baba and broke
through the line of march of the South Staffords, in front of
whom was Brig.-General Maxwell, with the rear company of the
Borders. At the same moment the Turks opened heavy artillery
fire, which not only caused very heavy casualties amongst the
Yeomanry and others, but started a bush fire, which still further
disorganized the advance of the 33rd Brigade. The South
Staffords and the Lincolnshire bore away to the right to avoid
the area beaten by the Turkish artillery fire. The Lincolnshire,
less two platoons which followed the South Staffords, soon
regained the true direction, and reached their correct place in the
x See p. X47 reconnaissance by Captain Hansen after capture of Chocolate Hill..
*5*
HETMAN CHAIR
[aug. aiST, 1915
fire zone, where in due course the Brigade Commander found
them.
The 32nd Brigade, which was intended to attack and capture
Hetman's Chair, lost direction and moved to the south of it ; 1
consequently the attempt was made by the Sherwoods and
Borders of the 33rd Brigade, but failed, both battalions losing
their Commanding Officers. Lieut.-Colonel Bosanquet was
killed almost inside the redoubt, and Lieut.-Colonel Broaderick
a little to the north of Hetman Chair. Lieut.-Colonel Phelps
with about eighty men of the Lincolnshire remained in their fire
trench by the order of Brig.-General Maxwell, as it was not
feasible to attack with them ; both flanks were in the air, and
OUR mONT UHCTR ENGHES^
CHOCOLATE
hi a. ^
s S.Staf fords deviation
(which took about ■
2 platoons of our
men- with ft)
From a sketch by Mdjar Hansen V.C.
there was no reserve behind them nearer than Lala Baba.
The 29th Division, on the left of the nth, were also unsuccess-
ful in their attack on Scimitar Hill.
The Brigade Diary gives the losses of the Lincolnshire on the
2 1 st /22 nd August as four other ranks killed, twenty-two wounded
and six missing. At night on the 22nd the 33rd Brigade. was
relieved and marched back to Lala Baba ; here it remained for
three or four days, until it moved to Karakol Dagh. There is
a difference of opinion as to whether the Lincolnshire remained
with the rest of the Brigade or marched at once to Karakol Dagh.
The numbers of the 33 rd Brigade were so reduced by
1 See Ian Hamilton's Despatch, dated the nth December, 1915. _ " The Attack of the
21st August," where it is stated that : " The 33rd Brigade sent up in haste with orders to
capture this communication trench at all costs fell into precisely the same error, part of
it marching north-east, and part south-east to Susak Kuyu." Brig-General Maxwell
denies this in the most emphatic manner. The 33rd Brigade were not sent up in haste 'to
capture anything. What actually occurred is told here.
J 53
HISTORY, OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
casualties that it was temporarily organized into two battalions,
the Lincolnshire and Borders forming No. I Battalion under the
command of Captain F.P. Duck, of the Lincolnshire, and the
South Staffords and Sherwood Foresters forming No. 2 Battalion
under the command Captain P.H. Hansen, also of the Lincoln-
shire.
Ill
THE EVACUATION OF SUVLA : I9TH/2OTH DECEMBER, I9I5
With the exception of a brilliant affair on the 24th August,
whereby the capture of Hill 60 (begun on the 21st August) was
completed by the Anzac Corps, there are no further operations
on the Gallipoli Peninsula to record. The gallant troops— or
rather the survivors — who had landed' at Suvla on the night
6th /7th August, full of enthusiasm and expectation, were now
doomed to that unenviable existence in front-line trenches,
fighting disease as well as the enemy, known as trench warfare.
; After .a few days rest at Lala Baba the 33 rd Brigade relieved
the 1 6 1st Brigade oh Kiretch Tepe Sirt, where the brigade line
straddled the high ridge, the culminating point of which was
Jefferson's Post. Here, as on other parts of the battle-front,
the digging of trench systems had begun. But the ground was
very hard, with only two feet of soil above the solid rock,
which could not be penetrated by digging. The defences,
therefore, in many places consisted of breastworks, insecure
against rifle-fire. Of dug-outs there were none, only rough
bivouacs made by digging out a square hole, covered with
a waterproof sheet. Much hard work was necessary before the
trenches were anything like secure, but the earth soon became
scarred by breastworks and burrowings, which on the trench
maps are marked by such* homely names as Hampstead Heath,
Oxford Street, Marble Arch and Clapham Junction.
Sniping and bombing now became part of the normal existence
of a battalion in the front line : patrol work was carried out at
night. But the worst enemy was sickness. Dysentery quickly
became prevalent and was continually sapping the strength of all
units. The carrying of stores from the beaches was a terrible
strain on men already weakened by disease : water was scarce,
and luxuries and food parcels sent out from England were stolen
at the base or on the way up. Food consisted of bully beef, gone
liquid with the heat, brackish water, ration biscuits and dessicated
vegetables. Fresh meat and bread were issued twice a week.
154
THE BLIZZARD [ NO v. *6th, i 9 i 5
The flies were intolerable, and it became quite an art to swallow
a mouthful without swallowing at least six flies at the same time.
The stench of the dead, many unburied, was quite nauseating
and always prevalent. The one saving grace was the sea bathing,
which was not interfered with by the Turks. And yet, in spite
of all these disabilities and afflictions, the spirit of the men was
unbroken.
" Sickness, the legacy of a desperately trying summer,"
records the official despatches, " took heavy toll of the survivors
of so many arduous conflicts. No longer was there any question
of operations on the grand scale, but with such troops it was
difficult to be down-hearted. AH ranks were cheerful : all
remained confident that, so long as they stuck to their guns, their
country would stick to them and see them victoriously through
the last and greatest of the crusades."
The 33 rd Brigade Diary for September notes that Captain
P.H. Hansen, 6th Lincolnshire Regiment, who had been
awarded the V.C. for rescuing the wounded during the actions
of the 9th/ioth August, received the M.C. for making a daring
reconnaissance. 1
On the 10th September Lieut.-Colonel Phelps went down
with dysentery. Captain Hansen then assumed command of the
battalion, but a fortnight later he too succumbed to dysentery.
Captain Cannell then assumed temporary command until on the
17th October Major G.H.St. Hill of the North Devon Hussars
arrived.
Reinforcements of officers and men were frequently received,
but they were not able to hold out long against disease and
sooner or later they succumbed to dysentery.
Up to the 26th November the weather had been hot and
sultry, but on that date a terrible blizzard swept the whole of
Suvla. Torrents of rain fell, completely flooding the trenches.
Several men were drowned. A number of men sheltering in an
excavation in the cliff-side were swept down into the sea. Friend
and foe alike were involved in this catastrophe, and had to fight
the elements instead of one another. The rain turned to snow,
which was followed by nine degrees of frost, as a result of which
over one hundred men of the Lincolnshire went down suffering
agonies from frost-bite.
Early in December rumours were current that the Peninsula
was to be evacuated, but still men dug as hard as ever on the
1 " He made a reconnaissance of the coast, stripping himself and carrying only a revolver
and a blanket for disguise. He swam and scrambled over rocks, -which severely cut and
bruised him, and obtained some valuable information and located a gun which was causing
much damage. The undertaking was hazardous. On one occasion he met a patrol of
twelve Turks, who did not see him, and later a single Turk whom he kiEed. He returned
to our lines in a state of great exhaustion." (London Gazette, 29th October, 1915.)
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
defences. Rumour turned to fact when it was observed that
gradually stores and men were being removed and embarked.
At last the order came : the evacuation of Suvla Bay was carried
out on the night of the 20th /21st December.
On the last night the Lincolnshire held the front line. Leaving
behind a few lights, fires and various contrivances which fired
rifles at intervals, to make the Turks believe the trenches were
still held, the battalion, under cover of a rearguard, withdrew in
parties to the second line. There gaps were closed in the wire
entanglements and a withdrawal was made to the third line and
so on.
The whole battalion embarked without a casualty, the General
Officer Commanding Division (General Fanshawe) being the last
to leave Suvla Bay. Before the last lighter left, all dumps were
lighted and the Turks shelled them heavily. Then, as the small
vessels put out to sea for Imbros, troops crowded upon their
decks, dense clouds of smoke and flames accompanied by the
blaze from bursting shells, formed a spectacle which none who
saw it are ever likely to forget.
On the 2r st the Lincolnshire reached Imbros and were soon
settled in camp. Major Elkington shortly afterwards returned
from Egypt and took over command of the battalion from Major
St. Hill, the latter returning to his regiment. Training occupied
the Lincolnshire until the 28th January, 1916, when they em-
barked for Mudros.
Re-embarking on the " Tunisian " on the 30th, they set sail
for Egypt. Arrived at Alexandria on the 2nd of February, they
disembarked, marched to Ramleh Station and entrained for Sidi
Bishr Camp — a vast area of tents.
156
PART FIVE
THE BATTLES OF THE SOMME 1916
THIS IS A BLANK PAGE
BATTLES OF THE SOMME [l9l6
I
THE BATTLE OF ALBERT : IST-I3TH JULY
THE situation of the Allies by the end of May 191 6 was
such that the combined French and British offensive which
had already been decided on, in principle, could not be
postponed beyond the end of June. The object of that offensive
was three-fold :
1. To relieve the pressure of the Germans against the
French at Verdun. The heroic defence of our French Allies
had already gained many weeks of inestimable value, and caused
the enemy very heavy losses ; but the strain continued to increase.
2. To assist our Allies in other theatres of war by stopping
any further transfer of German troops from the Western Front.
3. To wear down the strength of the troops opposed to us. 1
Preparations for the offensive were on an elaborate scale, and
every officer and man on the Somme during the months which
preceded the attack, spent strenuous days and nights in main-
taining the defences when in the line, and in digging communica-
tion and assembly trenches and dug-outs, collecting huge stocks
of ammunition and stores into dumps, assisting in the construc-
tion of many miles of railways and trench tramways when back
m the so-called rest areas. All this additional work had to be
performed as well as constant training and practising the
attack. And to the eternal glory of the British soldier, let it
be said that the very heavy strain imposed upon him was borne
with a wonderful cheerfulness.
The enemy's position to be attacked was situated on a high
undulating tract of ground, which rises to more than five hundred
feet above sea levd, and forms the watershed between the Somme
on the one side and the rivers of south-western Belgium on the
other.
The German defences along their front, were of a very
powerful nature. There were two main systems each consisting
of several lines of deep trenches, well provided with bomb-proof
shelters and dug-outs, of such- depth as to provide immunity
from the heaviest shell-fire. Until we saw the German dug-outs
on the Somme in 1 9 1 6, we did not know how to build them :
nothing we had hitherto constructed compared with those
wonderful shelters, often thirty feet below ground level. In, and
between, the enemy's system of trenches, villages and woods
had been converted into veritable fortresses : salients in his
front-line trenches had been turned into self-contained forts,
from which he could sweep No Man's Land with a murderous
1 Despatch of the z^rd December 1916, para. 2.
159
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
machine-gun and rifle-fire, whilst behind his front line strong
redoubts and concrete emplacements had been built, from which
he could sweep his own trenches should these be taken. _ Finally,
barbed-wire entanglements, constructed of iron stakes interlaced
with wire, often almost as thick as a man's finger, the belt in
places forty yards wide, protected the front line of each system.
To add to the difficulty to be encountered by troops attacking
the German trenches, the latter between the Somme and the
Ancre were sited on higher ground than ours.- We had good
direct observation on his front system, but, speaking generally,
his second system could not be observed excepting from the air.
North of the Ancre the command of ground was practically even,
but our direct observation over his ground was not so good as
farther south.
The particular sections of the battle front of interest to the
Lincolnshire Regiment on the ist July were from (and including)
Fricourt to Ovillers, and the Gommecourt Salient. The German
positions in the first section were to be assaulted by the 2 ist
Division (with attached troops from the 17th Division), 34th
and 8 th Divisions (in that order from right to left), while in the
other section the 46th Division and the 56th Division were to
attack and pinch off the Gommecourt Salient. Thus, no less
than seven battalions of the Lincolnshire Regiment 1 were in the
' front line on the i st July.
The village of Fricourt formed a salient in the enemy's line.
It lay upon a slight eminence and the Germans had turned the
place "into a very strong position. Behind the village was
Fricourt Wood, and north of it several more woods and copses,
all adapted for defensive purposes. Between Fricourt and La
Boisselle, No Man's Land • broadened out and was in places
eight hundred yards wide. La Boisselle and Ovillers also formed
salients in the hostile lines, both villages, like Fricourt, being
built on high ground. Between Fricourt and La Boisselle, and
the latter village and Ovillers, were two valleys, i.e., Sausage and
Mash Valleys respectively. It will be obvious, therefore, that
attacking troops crossing No Man's Land in these two areas
would be subjected not only to frontal, but also enfilade fire : and
the Germans were expert in sighting their guns for such purposes.
The preliminary bombardment opened on the 24th June. No
less than one thousand five hundred and thirteen guns were con-
centrated on the enemy's trenches, to cut his wire entanglements
and generally render his defences useless; With awe, not un-
_ x ist Battalion 62nd Brigade, 21st Division 5 8th Battalion, 63rd Brigade, 21st Divi-
sion ; 2nd Battalion, 25th Brigade, 8th Division ; 10th Battalion, 101st Brigade, 34th
Division j 1/4A and i/^th Battalions, 138th Brigade, 46th Division, and 7th Battalion,
51st Brigade, 17th Division.
l60
THE SOMME BOMBARDMENT [jULr IST , I9l6
mingled with satisfaction, the troops watched thousands of shells
burst over and upon the enemy's lines, throwing up clouds of
earth and debris. Day after day, with relentless fury, our guns
continued to pour a stream of shells upon the trenches across
No Man's Land, until they resembled a mere rubbish heap :
but below ground the enemy's troops, sheltered in deep dug-outs,
were safe even from the enormous shells of our "heavies." In no
less than forty places gas was discharged on the hostile trenches.
In the air every German observation balloon was destroyed and
driven to ground : the enemy's sight was blinded. Raids were
constantly made and patrols sent out to reconnoitre the con-
dition of the enemy's defences : all returned with the same
THE SOMME BOMBARDMENT
information — the wire was well cut and the German trenches^ in
an appalling condition. To all the shelling the enemy replied
fitfully : he had only approximately two hundred and forty guns
on the Somme front at this period and was unable to reply
adequately to the fierce fire of his opponents.
Originally intended for the 29th of June, zero hour was
postponed until 7.30 a.m. on the 1st of July. The 2 1st Division
was to attack due east just north of Fricourt, whilst the 7th
Division (on the right of the 21st) was attacking Mametz : the
two divisions were then to join hands just east of the former
village, and Fricourt and Fricourt Wood were to be cleared.
The attack of the 21st Division was to be made by the 63rd
M 161
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
Brigade on the right and the 64th Brigade on the left : the 62 nd
Brigade in Divisional Reserve, and supplying troops for carrying
purposes.
The first objective of the Division was a line running through
Fricourt Farm, the trench junction just east of the Farm, thence
Crucifix Trench to Birch Tree Wood : the 63rd Brigade was to
capture the southern half of the objective, i.e., Fricourt Farm,
then half-way along Crucifix Trench to opposite the southern
end of Shelter Wood. This operation was allotted to the 4th
Middlesex on the right and 8th Somerset on the left. The
second objective of the 63rd Brigade was roughly a north and
south line east of Bottom Wood to the Quadrangle : the 10th
York and Lancaster on the right and the 8 th Lincolnshire on
the left, were to capture the second objective, passing through
the troops on the first objective. One company of the 8th Lin-
colnshire was to advance immediately in rear of the Somerset,
clear the German front-line trenches and fall in behind the
remainder of the battalion when it advanced.
On the left of the 21st Division the 34th Division was to
capture the line Birch Tree Wood (exclusive) and Bailiff Wood
as its first objective, a line north and west of Contalmaison as a
second objective, and Contalmaison village and a line running
north-west from Acid Drop Copse as its third objective. As an
officer of the 34th Division said : " This meant an advance of
about three thousand five hundred yards on a front of about two
thousand, capturing two fortified villages and six lines of trenches,
which it was known were well provided with deep dug-outs and
made as strong as an industrious enemy could make them after
two years of constant labour." {Lieut. -Colonel J. Shakespear,
C.M.G., CLE., D.S.O., in " The Thirty-Fourth Division 191c-
1919.")
The 34th Division was to attack with the 101st Brigade on
the right and the 102nd Brigade on the left. Of the former
brigade the 15th Royal Scots were on the right and the 10th
Lincolnshire on the left : these two battalions were to capture
the first objective. The second objective was to be captured by
the reserve battalion of the two leading brigades. The third
objective was to be captured by the 103rd Brigade.
The 8 th Division, on the left of the 34th, was to attack with
all three brigades in the front line, 23rd Brigade on the right,
25th Brigade in the centre and 70th Brigade on the left. The
final objective allotted to the Division was a north and south
line east of Pozieres, the attack of the three brigades in the first
instance being directed against the German trenches from half-way
between La Boisselle and Ovillers, to opposite the north-eastern
corner of Authuille Wood. They also had three villages to
162
THE 4TH & 5TH LINCOLNSHIRE [,uly IS t, m e
capture, i.e., Ovillers, La Boisselle and Pozieres. The 2nd
Lincolnshire were to attack on the left of the 25th Brigade front,
having on their right the 2nd Royal Berkshires.
In the subsidiary attack at Gommecourt, the 56th Division
was to attack the salient from the south and the 46th Division
from the north, the two attacks converging. At this period
Gommecourt formed a salient in the enemy's trench system
north of Hebuterne. The village itself was protected by defences
of great strength : west of the village was Gommecourt Park,
similarly protected by powerfully-defended trenches. The whole
salient was a position very difficult to assault. The objects of the
attack in this part of the line were to draw the enemy's artillery
fire and, if possible, his reinforcements to the salient, and gener-
ally to distract his attention from the operations farther south.
The 1 3 8th Brigade of the 46th Division (containing the 1 /4th
and r / 5th Lincolnshire) did not attack in the initial stage of
the operations, but remained in Divisional Reserve in the Corps
Line ; the 1 /4th Battalion was, however, in the front line, for, on
the night of 30th June, they dug a false trench in order to attract
the enemy's fire next day when the attack took place south of
Hebuterne. The r/5th Battalion attacked the enemy on the
night of 1st July, as will be described later.
Throughout the night 30th June- 1st July, there was a great
activity along our front. Movement during daylight on the
30th June was restricted to a minimum, but as soon as darkness
fell every section of the line became as busy as a bee-hive, troops
moving to their assembly positions, stores being carried forward
for the formation of dumps, artillery ammunition collected in
huge quantities near the guns, ration parties and medical units
moving to their allotted positions, while the roads, railways and
tramways behind the lines were crowded with transport of every
description. Altogether a wonderful sight .were it possible to
see it by daylight. All ranks were in a state of great excitement,
and the utmost enthusiasm prevailed, for from patrol reports, it
was evident that the enemy's trenches had been terribly knocked
about and it was hardly credible that any living object could
survive the terrible destruction created by our guns. It was
anticipated that the going across No Man's Land would be easy
and that the enemy's first system and possibly the second system
of trenches also would fall rapidly into our hands.
Zero hour for the attack was to be 7.30 a.m. 1st July, but long
before that hour most of the troops had reached their assembly
trenches and were waiting with whatever patience men waiting
to attack possessed.
Throughout the hours of darkness the guns continued their
bombardment of the enemy's lines with unabated fury : no
163
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
bombardment had ever equalled it up to that time on the
Western Front. Ammunition was plentiful and the gunners
revelled in the fact that they could use as much as they wished
without question from higher authorities.
Dawn broke with a slight mist over the battlefield. Just
before zero mines were exploded and smoke was discharged at
many places along the front. As the final intense bombard-
ment opened at 6.2$ a.m., ladders and trench bridges were
placed in position, ready for the infantry assault.
At 7.25 a.m. (five minutes before zero) the leading platoons
of the two front-line assaulting battalions of the 63rd Brigade,
i.e., 4th Middlesex and 8th Somersets, with the foremost
platoons of the two supporting battalions, 10th York and
Lancaster on the right, and 8 th Lincolnshire on the left, left their
trenches and attempted to crawl towards the German lines. But
they were met by violent machine-gun fire, the volume of which
was an unpleasant reminder that the enemy was still full of fight.
The guns lifted at 7.30 a.m., and the general advance began.
But again a murderous storm of machine-gun and rifle bullets
swept No Man's Land and tore gaps in the gallant troops who
were advancing in quick time across the space between the
opposing trenches. Staff Officers described that advance as
magnificent : there were no checks or halts, excepting those
who fell to the ground dead or wounded !
Battered and tumbled shapeless masses of earth as were the
German trenches, the occupants, sheltered in their deep dug-
outs while our artillery barrage was on their trenches, rushed up
as soon as the guns lifted and, quickly mounting their machine-
guns on the lips of shell craters or on the ridges of mounds of
churned up earth, met our men with terribly destructive fire.
Both the Middlesex and the Somerset suffered heavy losses
before they reached the German front line. Fifty per cent, of
their numbers lay dead or wounded in No Man's Land. Yet,
with indomitable pluck, the survivors reached the enemy's front
line and passed over it towards the second objective, killing,
wounding or taking prisoner every German encountered. Behind
them, the York and Lancaster and Lincolnshire, who also had
lost heavily, pressed on bravely in the face of that fierce fire.
The 8th Lincolnshire (Lieut-Colonel R.H. Johnston)
attacked with B and C Companies leading, supported by A
Company ; D Company, following in rear as a carrying party
with ammunition, bombs, picks and shovels and trench stores.
The leading platoons lost quite half their number, but the
survivors reached the German front line, where they were
checked for the moment by machine-gun fire, but the battalion
bombers got to work and the guns were quickly knocked out.
164
THE 8th LINCOLNSHIRE [, UL y ist, i 9I s
The survivors, joined by successive platoons as they came up,
swarmed over the battered German front line and, crossing
Empress Trench and Empress Support, reached the sunken
road. The number of officers and men who got thus far was
not large, for a violent hostile barrage was by this time falling on
No Man's Land and the supports had suffered heavily.
In the enemy's front line, only a few German machine-gunners
were met with and these were immediately killed. The bat-
talions then worked their way down the German communication
trenches by bombing. Dart Lane, Brandy Trench were cleared,
and finally Lozenge Alley was reached. En route, every dug-out
x+-
Wood? ! 4
SUNKEN ROAD ..
-.-r.f.T-.T.,-,.^ f -. T .- | - | j-j- | -nr ! r-ir^.r:. J r.. ^p,- .""^
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LOHEt-V TRENCH
^Counterattacks
Front held by 8/Uno.R. shown..
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Sketch by I*. ColMnsteh.
which contained hostile troops was bombed. The trenches
themselves presented a terrible spectacle, being battered almost
beyond recognition, and consisting only of a mass of craters.
One Stokes gun still remained with the Lincolnshire and gave
valuable assistance until the officer in charge and the team were
knocked out. A Lewis gun team then arrived and lent great
assistance in the advance. From crater to crater a party of the
battalion under 2nd Lieutenant Kellet reached Lozenge Alley,
where they began the work of consolidation, but a heavy German
shrapnel barrage prevented further advance. In Lozenge Alley
Lieutenant Kellett's party joined up with another party of 8th
Lincolnshire under 2nd Lieutenant A.H. Hall : all told, the two
parties numbered about one hundred.
165
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
Between 4 and 5 p.m. orders arrived from Divisional Head-
quarters for all units of the 63rd Brigade to consolidate _ the
positions they then held, and when darkness fell the positions
of the four battalions were roughly as follows : 4th Middlesex,
Empress Trench from Ball Lane and Empress Support ; 8th
Somerset, in the western end of Lozenge wood, sunken road and
Lozenge Alley ; 10th York and Lancaster, in Dart Lane ; 8 th
Lincolnshire, from Dart Alley to (and including) Lozenge Alley.
Throughout the night these positions were held, the 8th Lincoln-
shire successfully repulsing a heavy bombing attack from the
direction of Fricourt.
The right flank of the Lincolnshire was attacked by the
Germans from Fricourt up Lonely Trench. Lieut.-Colonel
Johnston posted Lieutenant Preston at the junction of Lonely
Trench with Lozenge Alley to guard this point, which he did
excellently. The Germans got in once, thanks to their rifle
grenades, but were quickly turned out, leaving some dead in
Lozenge Alley, and at least twenty in Lonely Trench. Two
German drums were captured here, and sent to the depot at
Lincoln.
Long before darkness had fallen the 1st Lincolnshire (Lieut.-
Colonel D.H.F. Grant) of the 62nd Brigade (which it will be
remembered was in reserve) had reached the German lines. The
battalion, detailed to carry S.A.A.^ Mills grenades and Stokes
mortar bombs, left the billets at Meaulte at 8 a.m., and moved to
Bon Accord and Mareschail Streets, where loads were picked up.
At 1.30 p.m., the carrying parties began to cross No Man's
Land to thecaptured German front line, whence they proceeded
to a dump immediately north of the eastern end of Patch Alley,
on the sunken road. Having dumped their loads, companies
returned to the old German front line (Sausage Trench), which
they consolidated. This was very difficult, for the terrific effect
of the British bombardment was evident in the shapeless masses
of earth which had once been a trench. Moreover, hostile
machine-gun and artillery-fire swept the position. At 6 p.m.,
orders came to reinforce the 64th Brigade. Companies of the
1st Lincolnshire, therefore, proceeded as follows : B Company
to Crucifix Trench, with D Company and the Bermuda Volunteer
Rifle Contingent on their right, and A and C Companies in
support in the sunken road, C joining up with troops of the 34th
Division. The positions taken up had little appearance of having
been consolidated, and the Lincolnshire spent most of the night
digging hard.
On the left of the 21st Division, the 34th Division had simi-
larly met with considerable and costly resistance from the enemy.
No Man's Land in front of the 2 1 st Division was, on the average,
166
THE ioth LINCOLNSHIRE [jm v ist, x 9 i6
about four hundred yards wide, but along the front of the 34th
Division it varied considerably, from about one hundred to one
hundred and fifty yards in front, and just south of La Boisselle
to some eight hundred yards north and south of the Salient.
The 101st Brigade attacked on the right and the 102nd
Brigade on the left. Of the former the 1 5th Royal Scots were
on the right and the ioth Lincolnshire (Lieut.-Colonel E.K.
Cordeaux) on the left. The particular objective allotted to the
Lincolnshire was that portion of the German front line known
as The Bloater, which lay between the La Boisselle Salient and a
redoubt called Heligoland.
The Lincolnshire formed up on a three-company frontage,
A on the right, B in the centre, C on the left. D, less one platoon
detailed as a carrying party to advance in rear of the 103rd
Brigade (in reserve).
At 7.28 a.m., there was a terrific roar as a mine went up
af the south-western corner of the La Boisselle Salient, forming
an immense crater about one hundred yards in diameter.
Punctually to the moment, the Royal Scots and ioth Lincolnshire
advanced to the attack. The General Officer Commanding
Division (Ingouville-Williams) said of the advance of his troops :
" Never have I seen men go through such a barrage of artillery.
. .. . They advanced as on parade and never flinched." The
Germans put down a terrific barrage as the advance started.
A stream of shrapnel and high explosive and intense enfilade
machine-gun fire from La Boisselle and Heligoland (i.e., on both
flanks) swept the battalions as they attempted to cross No Man's
Land. With the utmost steadiness and courage not to be
surpassed by any troops in the world, they gallantly tried to
getacross that terrible space between the opposing lines. Some
few men did indeed reach the German trenches from the New
Crater and, bombing their way up, blocked it and helped to
protect the right flank of the 102 nd Brigade ; others consolidated
and held positions in the New Crater with a similar object. One
officer — 2nd Lieutenant Hendin— with only three men, pushed
forward on the right by way of the 21st Divisional area and,
consolidating a strong point in the German trenches, helped to
protect the left flank of that Division.
Here and there a few officers and men of the ioth Lincolnshire
got across No Man's Land and attached themselves to other
units, but as a whole the battalion was hung up and could do
no more. The Battalion Diary passes over the 2nd and 3rd of
July, and merely states that : " The 34th Division was relieved
by the 19 th Division in the early hours of the morning of the 4th
of July, moving for the night to Albert and subsequently on the
5th July to Henencourt."
167
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
North of La Boisselle lay Mash Valley, dominated both by
the village and also by Ovillers : this was the right flank of the
8th Division, which attacked on the left of the 34th Division.
The 8 th Division had all three brigades in the front line, 23rd
on the right, 2,5th in the centre and 70th on the left.
The centre lay opposite Ovillers and of the 25th Brigade the
2nd Royal Berkshire were ordered to attack on the right and the
2nd Lincolnshire (Lieut.-Colonel R. Bastard) on the left, with
the 1st Royal Irish Rifles in support and the 2nd Rifle Brigade
in reserve. The northern half of Ovillers and three or four lines
of powerfully-defended trenches formed the first objective of the
25th Brigade.
THE BATTLE OF ALBERT
The battalion was in position by 3.30 a.m., two companies
in the front line between Cartmael and Longridge, one company
in Pendlehill and Cartmael and Battalion Headquarters with the
remaining company in Waltney. Two patrols, one under 2nd
Lieutenant Eld and the other under Lieutenant Ross, reported
that the enemy's wire was well cut : the former officer and several
men were wounded.
At 6.25 a.m., when the intense bombardment began, the enemy
replied with high-explosive shrapnel on the front-line and as-
sembly trenches. Five minutes before zero the assaulting com-
panies advanced from their assembly positions preparatory to the
attack, all three companies getting their first two waves into No
Man's Land and the third and fourth waves out at zero. This
168
THE 2nd LINCOLNSHIRE [JULY IST , 191 e
operation was carried out quickly and without a hitch, though
they were observed and casualties were fairly heavy.
The story of the gallant efforts made by the 2nd Lincolnshire
to win through to their objective cannot be more fittingly told
than in their own words :
" As soon as the barrage lifted the whole assaulted. We were
met with very severe rifle-fire and in most cases had to advance
in rushes and return the fire. This fire seemed to come from
the German second lines and the machine-gun fire from our left.
On reaching the German front line we found it strongly held and
were met with showers of bombs, but after a very hard fight
about two hundred yards of German lines were taken about
7.50 a.m. Our support company by this time joined in. The
few officers that were left gallantly led their men over the German
trench to attack the second line, but owing to the rifle and
machine-gun fire could not push on. Attempts were made to
consolidate and make blocks, but the trench was so badly knocked
about that very little cover was obtainable.
" We were actually in the German trenches for two or three
hours, and captured a lot more trench on our right by bombing
as well as repulsing a German counter-attack from their second
line. It was impossible to hang on longer owing to shortage of
ammunition, and no more bombs, as we had used up all our own
as well as all the German bombs we could find in the trenches
and dug-outs, and were being gradually squeezed out by their
bombing attacks. A company of the Royal Irish Rifles made a
most gallant attempt to come to our support, but only ten or
twelve men succeeded in getting through the zone of terrific
machine-gun fire. We went into the attack with twenty-two
officers, all of whom were killed or wounded, except Leslie and
myself, and we had bullet holes through our clothing.
" During the time I had the honour of commanding the 2nd
Battalion I never saw the men fight better ; they were magnifi-
cent in the most trying and adverse conditions. The attack,
though a failure, was a most glorious effort, and I was intensely
proud of the battalion.
" We first retired to shell-holes in ' No Man's Land ' and kept
up fire on the trench we had left with ammunition we collected
from the wounded. As it was obvious we could do no good
there, we retired to our own trench and reorganised to be ready
for another attack if required.
" Orders were received from the 25th Brigade to withdraw to
Ribble and Melling Streets and occupy the assembly dug-outs,
which was done." {Lieut. -Colonel Reginald Bastard, D.S.O.)
At 12 midnight the battalion was relieved and proceeded to
Long Valley.
169
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
The Berkshire, on the right of the 2nd Lincolnshire, similarly
failed to take their portion of Ovillers, while the 23 rd Brigade
on the right of the 25th, had such terrible losses that the attacking
battalions were almost wiped out. Indeed the 8th Division, as
a whole, was relieved on the night ist/2nd July by the 12th
Division and taken completely out of the line.
In the attack on the Gommecourt Salient the 138th Brigade
of the 46th Division (as already explained) was in reserve, the
attack on the enemy's trenches being made by the 137th and
139th Brigades. The attack by the 46th and 56th Divisions
failed, though the troops advanced gallantly enough and entered
the enemy's trenches. But the enemy put down a terrific barrage
over No Man's Land, so that no supports could get through.
The consequence was that the gallant fellows who entered the
enemy's line could not be supported and were gradually wiped
out or captured.
The 1 /4th Lincolnshire (Lieut.-Colonel G.J. Barrell), though
they made no attack, were in the front-line trenches, for on the
night of the 30th June-ist July they dug a false trench in front
of our line, to draw the enemy's fire.
The battalion moved up to the front line on the night of the
27th June, for the attack was originally intended for the 29th.
On the latter date the battalion sent out a raiding party consisting
of thirty-four other ranks, under Lieutenant C.N. Bond and 2nd
Lieutenants E. Elliott and Quantrail. The raiders reached the
enemy's wire, but were then discovered by German listening
posts. Hostile troops swarmed out of the trenches and attempted
to surround the Lincolnshire, but were stopped by rifle-fire and
bombs. For an hour there was a desperate fight in No Man's
Land, but at 12.30 a.m. the signal for withdrawal was given.
Lieutenant C.N. Bond was wounded in the neck and died on the
way to the dressing station : one other rank was slightly wounded.
At 10.45 P- m -j on tne night of the 30th June, every man, with
the exception of two per Lewis gun, began to dig the false trench
in front of our wire. As much show as possible was made of the
digging, though the trench dug was very shallow. The parapet
was, however, made as obvious as possible. The diggers were
back in their trenches by 1.30 a.m.
During the operations on the following day (1st July) the
battalion lost 2nd Lieutenant W.H.G. Eliot killed, and 2nd
Lieutenants Gowers and Lee wounded : 2nd Lieutenant Skinner
was evacuated suffering from shell shock. The 1 /4th were re-
lieved at night by the London Scottish and moved to the Hannes-
camp trenches.
The 1 /5th Lincolnshire (Lieut.-Colonel T.E. Sandall) were
at daybreak on the 1st of July in reserve in the Corps Line, one
170
THE 4 th & ^th LINCOLNSHIRE [JUL v IST , i 9 ,6
thousand yards east of Souastre. At 8.30 a.m., the battalion
moved forward to Midland Trench, west of Fonquevillers. In
this position the day was spent, and though under shell-fire, only
two casualties were suffered.
At 8.30 p.m., Colonel Sandall received orders to send two
officers per company to reconnoitre the German front line before
Gommecourt Wood, which had been unsuccessfully attacked by
the 137th Brigade. It was thought that parties of the 139th
Brigade were still holding out in the enemy's trenches, and at
1 1 p.m. the 1 /5th Lincolnshire were ordered to attack and con-
solidate the German front line and get into touch if possible with
any parties of the Sherwood Foresters, who might be still in the
hostile trenches.
At 9.30 p.m. the battalion left Midland Trench for the front
line. Passing through Fonquevillers, companies moved slowly
along the communication trenches, badly battered by shell-fire,
with many dead bodies in them, and very congested by stragglers
and wounded coming in from No Man's Land. It was 1 1 p.m.
before company commanders received their orders from the
Commanding Officer. The battalion was to attack in four lines
of platoons on a four-company frontage, and as quickly as possible
were drawn up in No Man's Land in that formation. Then
there was a sudden change of orders, as the battalion was not
to consolidate the enemy trench, but to retire as soon as touch
had been obtained with the Sherwood Foresters, who were to be
brought back. At 12 midnight (ist/2nd July), the front line
of platoons went forward, but in the darkness lost touch almost
immediately. Only two platoons reached the enemy wire, which
was found uncut. The Germans were holding their trenches in
force and very heavy rifle and machine-gun fire was opened by
them on the Lincolnshire, while flares and Verey lights now lit
up the whole front line. It was obviously impossible to advance
further and needless to risk the lives of brave men. The men
were then ordered to lie down, but no retirement was made.
The situation was then reported to the Brigade Commander, who
informed Colonel Sandall that the General Officer Commanding
Division insisted on another attack being made as soon as it
could be reorganized. Under great difficulties this was done,
but luckily before it could be launched the Divisional Commander
reconsidered his decision and the i/^th Battalion was ordered
to withdraw to the British front line.
The battalion then retired, having lost one officer — Lieu-
tenant G.F. Walcott — killed, and two officers— Lieutenants
O.H.M. Lorenzon (who subsequently died of wounds) and J.J.
Pearson — wounded ; forty-five other ranks had also become
casualties. The i/fth had striven valiantly to carry out their
171
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
orders : they had done all that could be done, but the position
was much too strong for one battalion to attack with any chance
of success.
Numerous acts of gallantry are recorded of this attack. At
4 a.m. on the ist July, just after dawn had broken, Lieutenant
I. Welby saw a body move which lay about sixty yards in front
of the trench. He went out and found an n.c.o. of the
Sherwood Foresters just recovering consciousness. He returned
and calling for two volunteers to help with a stretcher, again
went out. But they were heavily sniped until the sniper was
located and a Lewis gun from our trenches directed on him.
Under cover of this fire, the man was brought in. Lieutenant
Welby was awarded the M.C. and Lance-Corporal Bowness
and Private Austin, who assisted him, the M.M.
Sergeant S. Willerton, who was also awarded the M.M., took
water to another n.c.o. of the Foresters, who was wounded
one hundred yards in front, and placed the man in a shell
hole, staying with him until 10.50 p.m., when, under cover of
darkness, he assisted in bringing the n.c.o. in. Sergeant T.G.
Goodchild, who went out close to the German wire in an un-
successful search for the body of Lieutenant Wallcott, and for
subsequent acts of gallantry, was awarded the D.C.M. Sergeant
A. Coppin, too, for conspicuous gallantry in bringing in wounded
men from No Man's Land, was awarded the M.M.
On the night of the 3rd of July the 1 /5th were relieved and
moved to Fonquevillers, where they relieved the nth Royal
Warwickshire Regiment in the front-line trenches immediately
north of those previously occupied.
When darkness fell on the ist July, though the initial suc-
cesses were not maintained, striking progress had been made at
many points. For instance, though Fricourt had not been taken,
its garrison was pressed on three sides; on the north side by the
a 1 st Division, in which were the ist and 8th Battalions of the
Lincolnshire. Further north, the 34th Division, 10th Battalion,
and the 8th Division, 2nd Battalion, of the Lincolnshire had
driven deeply into the German lines on the flanks of La Boisselle,
and Ovillers.
" In view of the general situation at the end of the first day's
operations," Sir Douglas Haig " decided that the best course
was to press forward on a front extending from our junction with
the French to a point half-way between La Boisselle and Contal-
maison, and to limit the offensive on our left, for the present, to a
slow and methodical advance. North of the Ancre such prepra-
tions were to be made as would hold the enemy to his positions,
and enable the attack to be resumed there later if desirable."
{Despatch of the lyd 'December \ 1 9 1 6, para. 9.) Terrible indeed
172
LINCOLNSHIRE CASUALTIES [JULY IST , I9l6
were the losses of the Lincolnshire Regiment on the first day of
the battle. The ist Battalion lost nine officers (Captain H. Mar-
shall, Lieutenant G.A. Kirk, 1 2nd Lieutenants E.V. Edwards,
W.H. Jacques, G.M. Rowlans, J J. Taylor, E.H. Catton, F.M.
Robinson and P.T. Pryce) wounded, three other ranks killed,
one hundred and five wounded and two missing — one hundred
and nineteen all ranks. Of the 2nd Battalion, Captains W.F.G.
Wiseman, S.H. Jeudwine, Lieutenants D.S. Ross, J.H. Tooles,
C.G. Shaw, H.G.F. Clifford, 2nd Lieutenants H.W.H. Applin,
J. Anstee, L.O. Sharp and twenty-six other ranks had been
killed : Lieutenant H.H. Shearman 2 and 2nd Lieutenant C.C.W.
Meyer 2 were so badly wounded that they died subsequently :
Captain F.K. Griffith, Lieutenants C.C. Woodcock, H.E.
Sowerby, J, Shdky, A.W. Eld, S.N. Carter, P.H. Gates, E.Q.
Jemmet, S.T. Stevens and three hundred and three other ranks
were wounded : eighty-nine other ranks were missing and
twenty-five wounded and missing — in all a total of thirty officers
and four hundred and forty-three other ranks. The 8th Bat-
talion had lost Captain A.C. Jones, 2nd Lieutenants J.F. Cragg,
W. Swift, R.L. Courtice, J.H. Parkinson and thirty other ranks
killed, Captains E.R. Devonshire and R.G. Cordiner, Lieutenant
G.G. LafFerty, 2nd Lieutenants E.G. Mitchell, M.G. Rowcroft,
T.S. Boadle, A. Lill, H.F. Haward, and one hundred and seventy-
one other ranks wounded, thirty-four other ranks were missing
— thirteen officers and two hundred and thirty-five other ranks.
In the 10th Battalion Captain T. Baker, Lieutenant E. Inman,
2nd Lieutenants L. Cummins, J.H. Baines, R.G. Ingle and
sixty-six other ranks were killed : Major W.A, Vignoles,
Captains C.H. Bellamy, 2 and J.F. Worthington, Lieutenants
R.C Green, R.P. Eason, 2 B.G. Anderson, 2 J.K. Murphy, 2nd
Lieutenants H.W. Bannister, C.H. Jollin, J.H. Turnbull, and
two hundred and fifty-nine other ranks were wounded ;
one hundred and sixty-two men were missing — total,
fifteen officers and four hundred and eighty-seven other
ranks. The casualties of the 1 /4th and r /5th have already
been given.
Desultory fighting went on all along the front during the night
of the 1 /2nd July. The situation at Fricourt was still tense.
.-During the night the 51st Brigade of the 17th Division relieved
the 50th Brigade opposite Fricourt. The 7th Lincolnshire
(Lieut-Colonel J. Forrest) set out from Heilly at midnight 30th
June/ ist July and arrived at Morlancourt, where, throughout
the daylight hours, they were in reserve. At 8.55 p.m. they
marched to Becourt Wood via Meaulte, thence to the British
Died of wounds, 20/7/16.
2 Died of wounds.
173
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
front line opposite Fricourt, where they relieved the 6th Dorsets
of the 50th Brigade.
North of Fricourt, the 8th Lincolnshire, who during the night
had worked hard in consolidating the positions from Dart Alley
to Lozenge Wood and Lozenge Alley on their right flank, were
protected from, counter-attack from Fricourt Wood by our
barrage. The story of the next few days, so far as the 8 th
Battalion was concerned, is thus told in the Commanding Officer's
own words : " In the morning our patrols reconnoitred Lonely
Trench to Red Cottage and Lozenge Alley to Fricourt Farm and
found all clear " : the enemy had retired during the night. " We
saw the attack advance through Fricourt Wood and occupy
Fricourt Farm and Crucifix Trench. As our right flank was
then secure, prepared Lozenge Alley for defence, facing north
in case of emergency owing to the firing we heard between La
Boisselle and Sausage Redoubt. This trench was made quite
strong, being worked on until we got orders to move : mean-
time we had to pass all our S.A.A. reserve, rifle grenades and
Stokes mortar ammunition to the 62nd Brigade, and our hand
grenades and a squad of bombers were sent up to the 62nd
Brigade together with supplies from the rear. We then received
orders to move to Patch Alley, facing north with our right on
Sunken Road. Arriving there we continued work of preparing
the trench for defence, until we were relieved about 2 a.m. on
the 4th, when we marched to Dernancourt."
From Dernancourt, the 8 th Lincolnshire moved north with
other units of the 63rd Brigade, first to Vaux and then to Talmas,
where on the 7th of July the brigade was transferred permanently
to the 37th Division.
When dawn broke on the 2nd July, the 1st Lincolnshire still
held the position taken up on the 1st in Crucifix Trench and the
Sunken Road. Throughout the day the battalion was heavily
shelled, particularly by the enemy's heavy howitzers. An attack
ordered during the evening was subsequently cancelled and the
night of the 2nd /3rd July passed quietly. Fourteen other ranks
were casualties during the day.
Meanwhile the 7th Battalion had been engaged. Late on the
1st July the 17 th Division was ordered to clear the enemy out of
Fricourt the next morning. It was learnt from prisoners brought
in about 8.50 a.m. on the 2nd that the enemy was evacuating
Fricourt, and the 51st Brigade (Fell) was ordered to push forward,
and occupy Fricourt, with Fricourt Farm and Wood as second
objectives. The Lincolnshire on the right, and the South Staf-
fords on the left led the advance of the brigade across the ground
that had been the scene of such terrible slaughter the day before.
The village was in a ruinous condition, but clearing its cellars
174
THE 7th LINCOLNSHIRE [jULy 2ND , x 9I g
and deep dug-outs took some time. Soon after noon, the Lin-
colnshire prepared to attack the Wood, whilst the South Staffords
pushed out patrols towards the Farm. Orders now came to
continue the advance to the railway, the left to get touch with
the 2 1 st Division, the right with the 7th.
^BaZUffs
{^ Contalmals&h
X
Start 1
Point
of
\7X» DIV.
ATTACK]
1 Mile
Seal e
The Lincolnshire, on the outskirts of the village, had already
come under machine-gun fire from the Wood which was
really the park to an old chateau, with copses and plantations in
which German machine-guns were concealed. The battalion
was therefore kept under cover in the village, whilst the Wood
was reconnoitred by Major Metcalfe, who found the Wood
175
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
evacuated, and between 2 and 3 p.m. the battalion advanced
through it to the far end.
At 5 p.m. the position of the 51st Brigade was roughly : 8th
South Staffords in Lozenge Alley and Fricourt Farm ; 7th
Lincolnshire on the northern and north-eastern side of Fricourt
Wood ; Sherwoods in support and in Willow Trench. During
the day Captain G.S. Dickinson was killed and nineteen other
ranks wounded.
The next morning at 9 a.m. the three Divisions, 17th, 21st
and 34th again attacked the enemy. The weather continued
fine, and July 3rd was a bright warm summer day. The Borders
and Sherwoods of the 51st Brigade were sent against Railway
Alley, and the Lincolnshire and South Staffords against Crucifix
Trench, which lay west of and parallel to the road from Fricourt
to Contalmaison. There was no barrage which was, possibly,
an advantage, as the enemy was not expecting an assault, when
the Lincolnshire sent their bombers into the north end of Crucifix
Trench from Fricourt Farm. As soon as it was seen that they
were in it and bombing down it, the rest of the battalion dashed
at it across the open from the Wood, and the South Staffords
advanced on their left. The rush was met by a hail of rifle and
machine-gun fire, but in spite of casualties, the two battalions
poured in over the trench. As the enemy was driven out a
number of them were seen trying to escape along a communica-
tion trench towards Shelter Wood. The Lincolnshire bombers
cut in on their line of retreat, and drove them back into the
victorious advance of the Staffords. Thus caught, some hun-
dreds of a Prussian infantry regiment, including their Colonel,
surrendered. Early in the afternoon Railway Copse was cap-
tured by the Sherwoods, and parties of the South Staffords and
Lincolnshire. All the objectives of the 1 7th Division were won,
nearly a thousand prisoners and an immense quantity of stores
and material, as well as eleven machine-guns, were taken. 1
The 7th Battalion had, however, suffered heavy casualties :
Captain L.D. Wickham, 2nd Lieutenants S. Shankster and L.C.
Andrews and thirty other ranks were killed ; Lieutenants W.I.
Abbot and J Kendall and 2nd Lieutenants T.C. Barrett, H.
Emery, E.deG. Car and Thomas, and about one hundred and
sixty other ranks were wounded or missing. About nine
hundred prisoners were taken as well as two field-guns, two
machine-guns and a quantity of stores.
North of the 17th Division the 1st Battalion, of the 21st,
had severe fighting. Lieut-Colonel Grant received orders at
5.30 a.m. to attack Birch Tree and Shelter Woods at 9 a.m.,
1 The above account of the fighting on the 3rd July is from The History of the i>]th
Division, by A.H. Atteridge.
I76
THE ist LINCOLNSHIRE pm* 3 rd, i 9 kj
after a heavy artillery bombardment. The attack was made on a
two-company frontage, each company on a two-platoon front.
B Company attacked on the right and A on the left ; D and C
supported B and A respectively. The objective was a trench
running along the northern edge of the two woods as far as the
light railway on the right.
Two minutes before 9 a.m., the artillery bombardment became
intense and the German trenches and the woods to be attacked
were shrouded in smoke from bursting shells. Five Stokes
mortars, firing from Crucifix Trench, opened rapid fire and
added to the noise.
At 9 o'clock punctually, the leading platoons of the ist
Lincolnshire left the trench and rushed towards the enemy, but
GERMAN PRISONERS, JULY, 1916
on reaching the ridge in front of the woods came under heavy
rifle and machine-gun fire. A Company suffered heavilyand
their supports and C Company were rushed up. B, on the right,
was more fortunate, and reached its objective without serious
loss. Their supports and D then reinforced and, after disposing
of all Germans found in the. trench, consolidated the position.
The battalion, however, in addition to numerous casualties,
suffered a heavy loss, for Lieut.-Colonel Grant, who had led
A Company to the attack, was seriously wounded in the head just
as C Company reinforced the line. Captain T.G. Newbury
then took over temporary command.
On the flanks of the Lincolnshire heavy bomb, fighting and
machine-gunning still went on, particularly on the left, where
n 177
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
one squad of battalion bombers, in spite of constant attacks by
the enemy's bombers and machine-gun fire, succeeded in holding
up a strong party of Germans who were a grave threat to that
flank. But presently reinforcements from the 1 2th Northumber-
land Fusiliers arrived and, after very little further resistance, this
party of the enemy was captured.
The centre of the attack experienced little opposition until the
trench was reached, when large numbers of the enemy, who had
taken refuge in dug-outs, were seen coming out in an endeavour
to surround the Lincolnshire. They also were dealt with by the
battalion bombers and many of them were killed. On the right,
the resistance was not nearly as determined and a large number
of prisoners were captured.
By about 2 p.m., the woo'd was clear and the left flank secure,
but the right flank was not secured until 4.33 p.m., when touch
was obtained with the 10th Green Howards, who were digging
themselves in to join up with the 1 7th Division on their right.
The Birch Tree and Shelter Woods were now in the hands of
the Lincolnshire. After consolidation the battalion was relieved
by the 12th Northumberland Fusiliers and withdrew to the
Sunken Road, where they formed a local reserve.
The casualties sustained during the day's fighting were three
officers (Lieutenant R.F.R. Herapath, 2nd Lieutenants F.
Hilton and F.C. Hills), and thirty-four other ranks killed : six
officers (Lieut.-Colonel D.H.F. Grant, Lieutenants G.McI.S.
Bruce, G.H. Hanning, 2nd Lieutenants J.H.P. Barrett, G.M.
Minnifie and W. Godfrey-Payton), and one hundred and ninety-
one other ranks wounded, and nine other ranks missing.
Altogether the 62nd Brigade, captured one thousand two hun-
dred prisoners : of these, seven hundred were taken by the 1st
Lincolnshire, who were heartily congratulated both by the
Divisional and Brigade Commanders.
On the 4th the battalion withdrew to Dernancourt and there
entrained for Ailly-sur-Somme, where on detraining the Lin-
colnshire marched to Argoeuvres.
The 7th Lincolnshire made no attack on the 4th of July, and
on the night of the 4th /5th were relieved with two other battalions
of the 51st Brigade, reaching Meaulte at 6 a.m. on the 5th, after
a very exhausting march. The total casualties suffered by the
7th Battalion from the 1st to the 4th of July were four officers
and thirty-five other ranks killed, and four officers and one
hundred and fifty-three other ranks wounded : eighteen other
ranks were missing.
No battalion of the regiment took part in the fighting on the
5th of July, when La Boisselle was surrounded and the outskirts
of Contalmaison reached. The general situation then, after five
178
GENERAL SITUATION &ULY 5TH , t 9 rf
days fighting was : "ona front of over six miles, from Bricque-
terie 1 to La Boisselle, our troops had swept over the whole of the
enemy's first and strongest system of defence, which he had done
his utmost to render impregnable. They had driven him back
over a distance greater than a mile and had carried four elaborately
fortified villages." (Despatch of the iydDecember> 1 9 1 6>para. 9.)
For the next five days, in spite of bad weather, local operations
were continued.
The 7 th Lincolnshire, with the remainder of the 51st Brigade,
were brought back by midnight the 6th /7th July in preparation
for the attack to be directed against the Contalmaison position
on the 7th, by the 38th Division on the right, the 17th in the
centre, and the 23rd on the left.. The 51st Brigade was in
Divisional Reserve until the afternoon, when it relieved the 52 nd
on the left of the 17th Division, facing Quadrangle Support.
This trench lay at the top of an open glacis, nearly a quarter of a
mile wide, exposed to a cross-fire from the front, and from
Mametz Wood on the right. Bombers were collected to attempt
to enter it via Quadrangle Alley on the right, and Pearl Alley
on the left. The 50th Brigade was detailed to the right, and
the 51st to the left. Tenacious mud added to the difficulties of
the attack, and little progress was made. In Pearl Alley bombers
reached the junction of the Alley with Quadrangle Support, but
could not force their way into it.
Throughout the 8th the Lincolnshire remained in the reserve
line, but at night relieved the Border Regiment in Quadrangle
Trench. During the day 2nd Lieutenant A.W.S. Cbwie was
killed. The next afternoon, at 5.50 p.m., the battalion bombers,
assisted by B Company set out to clear Pearl Alley, For three
hours a bombing fight went on, but at last Lieutenant Jones,
who commanded the Lincolnshire bombers, sent word that the
niud was so thick that it was impossible to throw bombs effec-
tively. He himself tried to walk outside the trench hurling
bombs into it. The battalion spent an uncomfortable night in
Quadrangle Trench, sniped badly by the enemy's riflemen and
shelled heavily by the German artillery. Two more officers
(Lieutenant A.H. Bird and 2nd Lieutenant J.A. Levette) were
wounded on the 9th.
Verbal orders were given 2 to the 50th and 51st Brigades to
make a surprise attack on Quadrangle Support at 11.20 p.m.
on the 9th. This was the beginning of nearly twenty-four hours
continuous fighting, which ended in success, though dearly
bought. The Lincolnshire pushed up the prolongation of Pearl
Alley, covering the attack whilst the South Staffords pushed into
1 The Briqueterie was about one thousand yards south-east of Montauban.
2 The History of the i>jth Division. Atteridge.
179
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
"the west end of Quadrangle Support. About 3 a.m. on the 1 oth,
things went badly with the 51st Brigade, and the attack was
broken off. Orders were issued to hold on to the junction of
Pearl Alley and Quadrangle Support at all costs. The Lincoln-
shire had the battalion bombers there, and two platoons of B
Company, the rest of the battalion holding Quadrangle Trench.
The 23rd Division attacked Contalmaison in the afternoon,
capturing the village after stubborn resistance. Fighting went
on until long after sunset. The Lincolnshire made two attempts
to capture Quadrangle Support, and that night four officers and
about sixty other ranks took it and held it.
But that night they were subjected to a terrific shell-fire : com-
munications were cut for about four hours, the enemy's barrage
falling on all rear trenches and support positions. One officer —
2nd Lieutenant B.L. Kimber — was killed. At last in the early
hours of the nth, the 17th Division was relieved by the 21st,
and the battalion moved to Meaulte, and on the 12th to Foud-
rinoy.
The total casualties of the 7th Lincolnshire in the Battle of
Albert 1 9 1 6 were seven officers and forty-nine other ranks killed,
seven officers and two hundred and forty-six other ranks wounded,
twenty-eight other ranks missing.
The 1st Lincolnshire returned to the line under the command of
Lieut.-Colonel R.H.G. Wilson, reaching Ailly-sur-Somme on
the 10th and resting during the remainder of the day along the
canal bank. Here one hundred and fifty-nine reinforcements
joined. In the evening the battalion entrained at Ailly station
and reached Corbie at about n p.m. On detraining, a move
was made to the high ground between Corbie and Mericourt.
It was still dark when at 1.40 a.m. (1 ith) Battalion Headquarters,
C and D Companies, and the Bermuda Contingent moved by
motor lorry, and A and B Companies by march route, to Meaulte.
The 62nd Brigade was ordered to clear the remainder of
Mametz. Wood, the 1st Lincolnshire to be in support and pro-
vide carrying parties. The southern portion of the Wood was
already in the hands of the 115th Brigade, which the 62nd
Brigade was to relieve.
Mametz Wood lay north-east of the Quadrangle and covered
most of the spur east of that place : one arm of the Wood ended
in the valley of the watercourse. Along the western side of this
arm ran Strip Trench, used as a communication trench to get
to the new positions in the Wood. It was, however, so blocked
with German dead that troops preferred to march along the top,
the stench from the bodies being unbearable. Abutting into
the south-western portion of the Wood there was rectangular
clearing, three hundred to four hundred yards wide, and across
180
THE ist LINCOLNSHIRE r Jt , Ly „ TH , x 9 x*
it ran Wood Trench, connecting at right angles with Strip Trench
on the right, and with its left resting among some trees in the
valley dividing the Quadrangle and Mametz Wood Spurs. This
trench was the only immediate support trench then in existence
for the front line, which was three hundred yards further north.
At about 9.30 p.m. the Lincolnshire marched out of Meaulte,
by platoons, along the Meaulte-Fricourt road towards Mametz
Wood. Guides met the battalion at Rose Cottage and, after
being held up by traffic, the leading platoon reached the southern
end of Strip Trench, the southern extremity of Mametz Wood.
Some idea of the slow progress made on the march may be
gathered from the fact that it was 3 a.m. on the 12 th before Strip
Trench was reached. A and B Companies were allotted a
position in the centre of the Wood, where they at once dug
themselves in, the other two companies and the Bermuda Con-
tingent were put into Wood Trench.
Throughout the night of the r 2th /13th the enemy's artillery
swept the whole Wood and the Lincolnshire had a bad time.
They received orders to " dig as many trenches as possible, for
the 1 10th Brigade, who come in to-night and attack to-morrow."
The Officer Commanding A Company, however, sent the follow-
ing message to the Commanding Officer. " Just at present we
are being very heavily shelled and shells 'are dropping all round
us. We have had to evacuate some portion of our trench as it
has been blown in. As soon as things get a little quieter I will
try and dig some trenches, but the men are played put and have
worked continuously until an hour ago digging their trenches."
Later he reported : "Renew trenches : northern trench has
been done. We have joined up most of the small trenches and
have made a few shell-holes into small cover. We have been
heavily shelled all the afternoon and are still getting it." The
Officer Commanding C Company also reported : " All my men
have dug themselves well in, but progress seriously impeded by
numerous casualties. During the continuous bombardment my
men are taking the best cover they can."
All through the night that terrible bombardment swept
Mametz Wood and the poor fellows in it were very much shaken.
" I personally," reported the commander of D Company, " and
most of the men are considerably shaken and bruised." , Later,
however, A and B Companies were moved to Wood Trench,
not a moment too soon !
The battalion by the night of the 1 3 th had lost, since moving
into the' Wood, ten other ranks killed, one hundred and seven
wounded and fourteen missing.
During the night of the I3th/i4th the 110th Brigade arrived
in the Wood. This Brigade came from the 37th Division to
181
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
replace the 63rd Brigade (21st Division), which had been per-
manently transferred to the former Division.
The 2nd, 8th and 10th Lincolnshire were not engaged again
in this battle. The 8 th Battalion, however, is mentioned in the
Diary of the 5th Lincolnshire (T.F.) as having relieved the two
right companies of the latter on the night of the loth/nth
July in the Gommecourt trenches. On the 1 3th both the 4th
and 5th Battalions were out of the line, the former at Lacauche
and the latter in huts north of Bavincourt.
II
THE BATTLE OF BAZENTIN : I4TH-I7TH JULY, I916
Mametz Wood having been entirely cleared of the enemy (by
the 2 1 st Division), and with Trones Wood also practically in
our possession, we were in a position at daybreak on the 14th
July to undertake an assault upon the enemy's second system of
defences, extending from Longueval to Bazentin-le-Petit Wood,
both inclusive. Contalmaison had been captured to secure the
left flank of the attack, and the progress made by our infantry
permitted our artillery to move forward to new positions.
{Despatch of the 13rd December, 19 16, para, 12.)
Seven divisions, one of them the 21st, were to attack the
enemy. The 21st received orders to capture the German front
line and support trenches protecting Bazentin-le-Petit Wood,
next capture the wood itself and Bazentin-le-Petit village, finally
establishing a line running from the northern side of the village
and then the road to Contalmaison Villa, along the northern edge
of the wood to the south-west corner. The 1 1 oth Brigade, with
one battalion of the 64th Brigade, was to carry out the attack by
the 2 1 st Division. The 1st Lincolnshire were to provide carry-
ing parties for the 1 10th Brigade and the 62nd Trench-Mortar
Battery : the latter task being allotted to the Bermuda Con-
tingent attached to the battalion.
The assault was delivered at 3.35 a.m. on the 14th of July,
when there was just sufficient light in which to distinguish friend
from foe at short range. Preceded by a splendidly effective
artillery barrage the attacking troops swept over the enemy's
front-line defences and into his second line. Bazentin-le-Petit
Wood was cleared by the 2 1 st Division in spite of the considerable
resistance of the enemy along its western edge, where we success-
fully repulsed a counter-attack. {Despatch of the iyd December \
19 1 6, para. 13.)
182
THE 7th LINCOLNSHIRE [july-seft, 1916
The i st Lincolnshire worked very hard all day carrying up
loads of bombs, S.A.A., tools, rations and water to the scene of
action and returning with the wounded and prisoners. Each
party made numerous journeys. The battalion afterwards re-
ceived the following message, sent to the General Officer Com-
manding, 62nd Brigade, from the General Officer Commanding,
110th Brigade : " Will you please thank in the name of the
110th Brigade the Officer Commanding (Lt.-Colonel R.H.G.
Wilson) 1st Lincolns, for his great help in bringing up S.A.A.
for the use of the Brigade."
On the 15th, when the successes gained on the previous day
were further exploited, the Lincolnshire bombers were sent to
assist the noth Brigade and did great service, bombing the
enemy put of trenches and dug-outs : they were largely instru-
mental in clearing the way for an advance upon High Wood,
a portion o£ which was captured during the day.
As on the 14th, the battalion again furnished carrying parties
and came in for a good deal of shell-fire. The enemy used
gas shells on this day of a new kind, which had an insidious action,
for the full effect of the fumes was not felt until some hours later.
We all found it very difficult to breathe, but we stuck it and the
effects passed off after a bit, although some of the men were
pretty bad. " I think it wonderful the way the men carry on."
(An officer of the battalion.) All ranks suffered very much
from the want of sleep, as well as from the effects of the gas.
On the 1 6th the battalion was again in Brigade Reserve,
supplying carrying parties for the 110th Brigade, but shortly
after midnight on the 1 7th relief came and the worn-out Lincoln-
shire marched back to Buire. The total casualties suffered
between the 14th /17th of July were four other ranks killed,
twenty-three wounded and three missing.
The general results of the battle were of the highest impor-
tance. The enemy's second main system of defence had been
captured on a front of over three miles, and he had again been
forced back more than a mile : but still his defence was stout
and he had inflicted heavy losses.
Ill
THE BATTLE OF DELVILLE WOOD : 1 5TH JULY-3RD SEPTEMBER
Delville Wood (or the " Devil's Wood," to give it its popular
name) was first captured on the 15th of July, the greater part of
it with the northern portions of Longueval village was recaptured
183
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
by the enemy on the 18th. On the 27th of July it was again
completely in our hands, but the enemy soon penetrated the
wood and held portions of it, until he was finally ejected at the
end of August, and by the 3rd September, by which Guillemont
had fallen, our hold was secure.
Delville Wood was surrounded by enemy posts and in addition
was overlooked from Flers Ridge, three hundred yards distant :
no movement could take place in the wood by day unobserved by
the enemy, and by night the position was exposed to almost con-
tinuous artillery and machine-gun fire. Lines of trench had
long been obliterated, and the edge of the wood was held by an
unconnected chain of posts.
In the long-drawn-out struggle for possession of the wood, the
7th Lincolnshire, of the 51st Brigade, 17th Division, were
engaged. From Fourdrinoy the battalion marched on the 14th
to Yaucourt, near Abbeville, where a week was spent in training
and absorbing reinforcements. On the 23rd of July, however,
a move was made back to the Somme, the battalion reaching
Hangest at 1 1 p.m., and at 4.30 the next morning marched into
Mericourt and bivouacked. Here another week was spent
during which reinforcements of officers and men continued to
arrive, until by the 29th the battalion had a fighting strength of
thirty-two officers and nine hundred and fourteen other ranks.
On the 30th Lieut.-Colonel J. Forrest proceeded to England
and Major F.E. Metcalfe assumed command of the battalion.
On the 1st of August the 51st Brigade relieved the 95th
Brigade in Pommiers Redoubt, the 7th Lincolnshire taking over
Pommiers Trench. These were reserve positions, but were
under fire from the enemy's medium and heavy artillery.
At 4.30 a.m. on the 3rd, C Company, under Lieutenant
Kendall, went to Longueval on digging fatigue. This was the
beginning of several days of a perfectly horrible existence. The
Lincolnshire were subjected all the while to heavy shell-fire,
machine-gun and rifle-fire and suffered severe casualties. The
bombardment was so heavy that an enemy attack was expected.
The battalion at 8 p.m. on the 4th left Pommiers Trench and
relieved the 23rd Royal Fusiliers (2nd Division) in Montauban
Alley, where they were in Brigade Reserve. "Violent shell-fire
swept the trenches and Montauban on the night of the 5th /6th,
and 2nd Lieutenant R.A. Eadie and four other ranks were killed,
and thirteen other ranks wounded. At 4.30 p.m. on the 7th,
the battalion moved up to support the Sherwood Foresters, who
were in Longueval and Delville Wood. Four hours later D
Company, under Captain S. Clarke, moved up in close support
of the Foresters in Longueval. At dawn D Company in Longue-
val village was subjected to a violent bombardment, which lasted
184
THE ioth LINCOLNSHIRE [ JUL y a3RD , i 9 i6
an 'hour ; by the end of it D Company had ninety casualties,
about half the strength of the Company. The Germans used
phosphorous shells which caused fire amongst the debris and
some men were set alight. The expected attack did not take
place. On the 8th at 8.30 p.m. the battalion relieved the
Foresters : the relief took until 7.30 a.m. on the 9th as it was
most difficult getting the troops into position.
On the 9th at dusk a determined effort was made to dig a
connected trench line, and the battalion succeeded in advancing
the line of posts some fifty yards out of the wood. The Lincoln-
shire were exposed to shell and machine-gun fire during the whole
time they were in the wood, but during the two days they were in
occupation of it the wood was cleared of the enemy. Four
officers were wounded during the 9th of August, i.e., Lieutenant
C.R. Barnes and 2nd Lieutenants H. Ribton-Cook, G.E.S.
Kollick and E.W. Milford. At 1 a.m. on the ioth the North-
umberland Fusiliers arrived to relieve the Lincolnshire and the
latter marched back to bivouacs near Fricourt.
Between the 1st and ioth of August the battalion lost one
officer and twenty-two other ranks killed, six officers (including
2nd Lieutenants J.E. Burrows and J.W.W. Edgar and officers
whose names have already been given) and one hundred and
forty-five other ranks wounded, and fourteen other ranks missing.
A week out of the line, mostly spent in marching to fresh billets,
brought the 7th Lincolnshire to a new sector which the 17th
Division had taken over opposite Gommecourt, the battalion
relieving a battalion of the 169th Brigade (56th Division) in the
line at Fonquevillers, on the 19th of August, where for the
moment they must be left.
IV
THE BATTLE OF POZIERES RIDGE : 2 3RD JULY-3RD SEPTEMBER
In this battle, launched by the Fourth Army on the 23rd of
July on a wide front from Guillemont to near Pozieres, the ioth
Lincolnshire came into the line towards the end of July, by that
time Pozieres itself had been captured by the Australians, while
the 34th Division was out of the line resting.
The ioth Lincolnshire, with other units of the 101st Brigade
(34th Division), arrived in the Hennencourt area, where refitting
and absorbing drafts occupied the battalion from the 7th to the
30th July. " During this period the battalion received drafts of
men from various units, Northamptonshire Regiment, North
185
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
Staffordshire Regiment, South Staffordshire Regiment, Middle-
sex Regiment, and a few Lincolns. A large proportion of these
men were third-line Territorials and had, in many cases, only
received about three months training. Training was carried out
on the manoeuvre area near Bresle and the battalion was also
exercised in wood fighting. Specialist training was carried on
during the whole of this period."
The struggle for the Pozieres Ridge resembled in a way the
fierce fighting for Delville Wood, in that the operations were
spread over several weeks, the enemy launching frequent counter-
attacks and the line swinging to and fro until finally we con-
solidated our gains.
Fighting was still in progress when the 34th Division took
over the line on the 31st of July, the 101st Brigade, the sector
east of Bazentin Wood to High Wood exclusive, with the 1 1 ith
Brigade in support in Mametz Wood and the 1 12th in reserve
in Becourt Wood.
The 10th Lincolnshire took over a line of trenches north-east
of Bazentin-le-Petit Wood, moving up on the 4th August at
5.30 p.m. to relieve the nth Suffolks in front-line and support
trenches north-east of Bazentin-le-Petit village. Details of the
battalion took part in a bombing attack on the German inter-
mediary trench, but having to advance through an exceptionally
heavy hostile barrage the attack was not a success. Two days
later the 101st Brigade was relieved by the 1 12th Brigade and
marched back to trenches west of Mametz Wood.
These six days in the line (ist/6th August) were very costly
to the 10th Battalion, which had over two hundred casualties,
including three officers (Lieutenant A,W.S. Pratte and 2nd
Lieutenants F.M. Wensley and H.P. Murphy) killed.
Conditions in the line were terrible : there were dead bodies
everywhere, and the smell was awful. The enemy's shell-fire
was particularly heavy and accurate, for he had by now brought
up guns and reinforcements and was obstinately contesting our
advance. Colonel Cordeaux (commanding 10th Lincolnshire)
had his Battalion Headquarters near the 101st Brigade Head-
quarters, in an old German dressing station on the north-western
side of Bazentin-le-Petit Wood, which was not a salubrious
place.
The 10th Lincolnshire moved back to trenches and bivouacs
in Becourt Wood on the 10th, forward again on the 13th to
Mametz Wood, and into the front line on the 14th, at Bazentin-
le-Petit. But on the 13th of August the 34th Division was
relieved by another Division and, moving by stages, reached
Armentieres once more, where, on the 29th, the Lincolnshire
went into the front line at Bois Grenier.
186
THE ist LINCOLNSHIRE [SEP t. i 5 th s I9i6
V
THE BATTLE OF FLERS-COURCELETTE : I5TH— 22ND SEPTEMBER
After the Battle of Pozieres Ridge practically the whole of the
forward crest of the main ridge, from Delville Wood to the road
above Mouquet Farm, on a front of some nine thousand yards,
was in our hands, and with it the observation over the slopes
beyond. (Despatch of the lyd December, 19 16, para. 25.) The
attack on the 15th September gained the high ground on
which are situated the villages of Flers, and Courcelette, nearly
six thousand yards apart, from which this battle takes its name.
Two innovations were introduced in this battle. For the first
time in the war, tanks were used, and the rolling, or creeping,
barrage introduced.
The nth and 21st Divisions, in which the 6th and ist Lin-
colnshire respectively were serving, were not amongst those
Divisions which carried out the main attack.
From the 18th of July to the 3rd of August the ist Lincoln-
shire were training, but on the latter date took over front-line
trenches north of the Scarpe River, at St. Laurent Blangy, the
2 1 st Division having moved to the Arras front. But with the
exception of artillery duels and the occasional activity of the
enemy's machine-guns and snipers there is little to record until
the battalion again turned its face to the Somme.
The 2 ist Division was withdrawn from the Arras front during
the second week in September, and on the 13th, the ist Lincoln-
shire, being then at Grand-Rullecourt, started to march west.
That night they reached Rebreuve, and on the following morning
Frevent, where the battalion entrained for Albert. On detrain-
ing, the march was resumed to Dernancourt, where, at the foot
of a hill, the Lincolnshire bivouacked for the night. They
marched to Becordel on the 15th and bivouacked again.
Early on the 1 6th of September the Lincolnshire marched to
Pomrniers Redoubt, on the road between Mametz and Mon-
tauban. Here the battalion remained until night. The tide
of battle had by this time rolled far ahead, and the redoubt
was no longer exposed to the awful shell-fire from which
another battalion of the regiment suffered on a previous occasion.
That night the 62nd Brigade relieved the 42nd Brigade in
the trenches south of Gueudecourt, between Flers and Les
Boeufs. The Lincolnshire were in Brigade Reserve in a valley
bordering the northern edge of Bernafay Wood, about three
miles from the front line.
The northern half of the Ginchy-Gueudecourt road (officially
known as Watling Street) and especially the sunken portion of
187
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
the road which ran parallel with, and some thousand yards east
of the village, of Flers, was the scene of operations during the
next fortnight.
At 1. 1 5 a.m. on the 17th, A and B Companies of the Lincoln-
shire with Lewis guns, were sent to Gap Trench to support the
64th Brigade, which held a trench astride Watling Street, one.
thousand yards south of Gueudecourt, and was apparently being
counter-attacked. That part of Gap Trench occupied by these
two companies of the Lincolnshire was west of Watling Street,
and one thousand yards in rear of the firing line.
At 10. 1 5 a.m. on the 1 7th, A and B Companies received orders
to move from Gap Trench and relieve the Coldstream Guards in
the firing line about one thousand three hundred yards south-east
of Flers in another portion of Gap Trench to the east of Watling
Street. The relief was carried out in heavy rain and the diffi-
culties were increased by the complicated position. The firing
line taken over by the Lincolnshire faced north. Across the
front of the two companies ran an old German communication
trench — Gas Alley — to the main German line (Gird Trench).
The south-western half of Gas Alley was held by the 13 th
Northumberland Fusiliers, and the north-eastern half by the
enemy, with only a barricade between the opposing forces. Thus
the Lincolnshire faced friend and foe. A little further to the
right, Gap Trench swept round to the north-east and ran into
Gird Trench parallel with Gas Alley : the right portion of Gap
Trench was also held by the enemy. The trenches taken over
from the Guards by A and B Companies had only recently been
captured and required consolidating. This the Lincolnshire
set to work to do.
At 7.30 p.m. Battalion Headquarters, with C and D Com-
panies, were ordered to proceed to the Brigade front line to dig
a trench behind and parallel with it ; the centre of this new
trench to be in Watling Street, about eight hundred yards in
front of B Company's left flank. D Company moved off at 8
p.m. in the rain, drenched through, nearly lost their way. Even-
tually they arrived in position, very much fatigued. C Com-
pany followed at midnight. Both companies worked in four-
hour shifts, all through the night in heavy rain, and having com-
pleted their task, handed the trench over to companies of the
13th Northumberland Fusiliers and 10th Green Howards,
returning to Brigade Headquarters the following morning.
During the early hours of the 18 th the Commanding Officer
and Second-in-Command (Lieut.-Colonel R.H.G. Wilson and
Major Elkington) were going round the battalion area, visiting
each company, when, with another officer (2nd Lieutenant G.
Matson) they were caught in a sudden salvo of high explosive
188
LINCOLNSHIRE BOMBERS [SE p T . 2 oth, 1916
and had to be evacuated to hospital. Major H.M.C. Orr then
assumed command of the battalion.
The position of A and B Companies in the firing line was not
enviable. Their greatcoats were stacked in the Quartermaster's
stores at Meaulte, and they had only their waterproof sheets to
protect them from the heavy rain which fell all day. Drenched
to the skin, always on the alert, and subjected to continuous heavy
shell-fire, they were in a pitiable plight. The 19th showed no
improvement either in the weather or the enemy's activities, but
fortunately the two companies were relieved during the night
i9th/2o, and, utterly worn out, they returned to Battalion Head-
quarters, marching in at 3 a.m. on the 20th,
At 8 a.m. on the 20th, the Lincolnshire sent the battalion
bombers and company bombers of C and D Companies (six
squads in all) to clear Gas Alley to a point within fifty yards of
Gird Trench. The party, under Lieutenant D.F. Neilson
(Brigade Bombing Officer), left Brigade Headquarters at 10 a.m.
andreached Battalion Headquarters of the 13th Northumberland
Fusiliers at 1 p.m., having suffered twelve casualties from shell-
fire on the way. Three squads then occupied the front line and
the support line. At 3 p.m. the guns of the XV. Corps and
7th Division shelled the enemy's trenches, but failed to hit Gas
Alley, though shells fell in the trenches held by the bombers,
causing several casualties among them. At 4 p.m. the attack
took place. The three squads in the front line were met by
furious rifle and machine-gun fire and could not get on as they
had to cross open ground to get to Gas Alley. The three squads
m the support line, which was connected with Gas Alley, rushed
the enemy's barricade and drove the Germans back up the Alley
for about one hundred yards. They then built a new barricade
and consolidated the captured trench, handing it over after dark
to the Fusiliers.
In thanking the 1st Lincolnshire for the smart work carried
out by their bombers, the Brigadier said that the reason he
selected the Lincolnshire to do the job was because he wanted
the best bombers in the Brigade to carry it out, and he knew the
Lincolnshire had them. On the 21st the battalion remained in
the Brigade Reserve Trench, furnishing working parties. On
the 22nd the Brigade was relieved and the Lincolnshire, with
expectations of a rest, moved back to the Brigade Camp, situated
a mile south-west of Fricourt.
Their losses between the 15th and 22nd of September were
one officer and seven other ranks killed, three officers and thirty-
three other ranks wounded. '
Meanwhile the 1 ith Division had also been engaged with the
enemy near Ovillers. The 1 ith Division set sail from Egypt
189
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
just as the Somme battles were beginning, the 6th Lincolnshire
of the 33rd Brigade embarking at Alexandria on the 2nd July.
On the 8th the vessel reached Marseilles and three days later
the 6th Battalion entrained at Marseilles for the Abbeville area,
arriving at St. Pol on the 13 th. From St. Pol a move was made
to Ternas on the 14th, and on the 15th Hauteville, where
company commanders and two sergeants per company were sent
up to the trenches immediately south-east of Arras. On the
2 1 st the first casualty in France was suffered — a private of D
Company being wounded.
On the 22nd (the battalion having in the meantime moved to
Berneville), the 6th Lincolnshire, proceeding through Arras to
Ronville, took over front-line trenches astride the Arras-Beaurain-
Bapaume road opposite Beaurain, On the 25th a man was
killed, the first death in France.
Three small parties of Germans attacked the battalion's
trenches on the night 31st July/ist August, but were beaten
off, casualties being inflicted on them. One officer of the
Lincolnshire (2nd Lieutenant Watkinson) was wounded —
the first officer casualty in France and Flanders — but was carried
in from No Man's Land by Private Cornell.
On the night of the 9th/ioth August, in order to obtain
identifications, 2nd Lieutenant Clay led a raiding party across
No Man's Land and inflicted four casualties on a German work-
ing party out in front of their trenches. The raiders brought in
two dead Germans and the tunic and cap of a third, identifica-
tions which were badly needed.
Lieut.-Colonel W.E.W. Elkington left the battalion on the
13th of August to rejoin his old battalion (the 1st Lincolnshire)
and Major G.H. Gater assumed command on the 1 5th.
After a month in the line the battalion moved back to Berne-
ville on the 2i st, thence to Hauteville on the 24th. A short
period of training followed, and on the 7th of September the
Lincolnshire reached Bouzincourt, where three days were
spent ; where also 2nd Lieutenant A. Smith and an n.c.o.
were wounded on fatigue and one other rank was killed and
nine wounded in billets. On the 12th the battalion moved to
the trenches near Ovillers, one and a half miles south-east of
Thiepval.
An important position was won by a highly successful enter-
prise carried out by the 1 ith Division on the evening of the 14th
September, by which the Wonderwork was stormed. (Despatch
of the 2yd December, 19 16, para. 25.) On the night of the
1 5th/ 1 6th C Company of the 6th Lincolnshire captured Con-
stance_ Trench, which was of fundamental importance to the
operations on the 26th September, as it formed the "jumping
190
THE 6th LINCOLNSHIRE [SEP t. i7 ™, i 9 ,6
off ground " for the Sherwood Foresters and Borderers in the
attack on Thiepval Ridge.
Just before dusk on the 1 6th, the Canadians (on the right of
the Lincolnshire) attacked and captured Courcelette, and whilst
pushing out a sap to keep touch with the left flank of the attackers
in front of Mouquet Farm, 2nd Lieutenant Clay was wounded.
After darkness had fallen on the 1 6th, the battalion was ordered
to clear the remainder of Constance Trench.
Under 2nd Lieutenant Donald, a bombing party successfully
carried out this operation, and the battalion then occupied the
whole of the trench. The following morning at io a.m.,
another bombing party attacked Joseph Trench, but the enemy
was in force and the bombers were driven back. That evening
the Germans launched a counter-attack against Constance
Trench, but were driven off.
The casualties suffered on the 17th of September were two
officers (Captain H.B. Thompson and 2nd Lieutenant N.H.
Stockdale) and eleven other ranks killed, two officers (Captain
Akenhead and Captain Malkinson) and thirty-three other ranks
wounded. Captain Thompson lost his life while searching for
a patrol which had gone out but failed to return. 2nd
Lieutenant Sutherland gallantly went out in search of Captain
Thompson and found his body about fifty yards from the trench.
With great difficulty, Lieutenant Sutherland returned and later
he went out again and brought in the body of the dead officer.
For this action he was later awarded the M.C.
On the 1 9th /20th the 6th Lincolnshire were relieved by the
Sherwood Foresters and moved back to Donnet's Post, near
Aveluy. Here they remained for a week in dug-outs.
VI
THE BATTLE OF MORVAL : 25TH-28TH SEPTEMBER J THE CAPTURE
OF GUEUDECOURT
Bad weather set in during the close of the battle of Flers-
Courcelette, and it was the 25th of September before the next
attack could be undertaken. On that date a general attack was
launched on the whole front from the Somme to Martinpuich.
On the British front the objectives were Morval (5th Division),
Les Boeufs (6th and Guards Division), Gueudecourt (21st
Division) and a belt of country about one thousand yards in depth,
curving round the north of Flers to a point about mid-way
191
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
between that village and Martinpuich : the latter was the
objective of the 55th, New Zealand and 1st Divisions.
The 62nd Brigade of the 21st Division was in Divisional
Reserve during the operations, but the 1st Lincolnshire were
attached to the 64th Brigade, the attacking brigade. Major
H.M.C. Orr, temporarily commanding the 1st Lincolnshire,
received orders for the attack on the 20th of September, whilst
the battalion was resting at Fricourt Camp.
Three objectives were allotted to the 64th Brigade (i) portions
of Gird Trench and Gird Support south of Gueudecourt, (ii) a
track running south-east of the village, and (iii) a portion of the
line of the Gueudecourt-Le Transloy road east of the former
village. The 10th King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry on
the right and the 1st East Yorkshire, on the left, were to carry
out the attack of the 64th Brigade on the first objectives. The
1 st Lincolnshire were to capture the second objective, and the
two first-named battalions were to pass through the Lincolnshire
and capture the third objective.
The battalion moved from Fricourt Camp at 1 1 a.m. on the
24th to Pommiers Redoubt, arriving at 1 p.m. A hot meal was
served and at 5 p.m. the battalion moved again, and an hour later
arrived at Switch Trench, where 64th Brigade Headquarters
were established. Here, after rest, hot tea and rum were served
just before 10 p.m., when the march to the assembly trenches
began.
By 11.30 p.m. the battalion was disposed in the following
positions : A and C Companies in Gap Trench (support) ; B
and D Companies, the Battalion Bombers and Battalion Head-
quarters in Switch Trench (second support).
Throughout the night the artillery bombardment, which began
on the morning of the 24th, continued without abatement. As
Gird Support Trench (part of the first objective) had been almost
entirely demolished by our shell-fire, the first two waves of the
attacking infantry received orders to dig in one hundred and
fifty yards beyond it.
Zero hour for the attack was fixed for 12.35 P- m - on t ^ ie 2 ^'
Two minutes before zero bayonets were fixed and the battalion
" stood to " ready to go over the parapet. Each man carried an
extra bandolier and a Mills bomb in addition to the complement
of bombs carried by the Battalion and Company Bombers.
As the hands of the watches touched zero Captain J. Edes
and Captain J.E.N.P. Denning, commanding A and C Com-
panies respectively, followed by their men, sprang over the
parapet of Gap Trench and advanced in quick time in two lines
with a frontage of two platoons each company, fifty yards between
the two lines. A Company was on the right, C on the left.
192
THE ist LINCOLNSHIRE [sept. 25TH , 19 i6
Both companies had advanced about fifty yards when they
came into the enemy's artillery barrage from the right and
machine-gun fire from the right front. In spite of heavy
casualties, there was no wavering until the brigade front line was
reached. Instead, however, of finding the trench empty and the
attacking troops of the 64th Brigade on their way to the first
objective, the two units still occupied the trench. Apparently
they had attacked the enemy but had fallen back to their
original position.
By this time Captain Denning and all the senior n.c.o.s of
C Company had been wounded, and it was found necessary to
re-organize in the front line. Captain Edes, however, at once
decided to pass over the front line with A Company and advance
towards the first objective. An officer of the 4th Grenadier
Guards, on the right of the Lincolnshire, asked Captain Edes to
help him in an attack on a strong point (No. 91) in the German
front line. A Company was therefore directed up Gas Alley,
which led to the strong point. But by now the casualties were
heavy and the company was unable to reach it. It was, there-
fore, decided to consolidate on the ground gained. While this
was being done touch was obtained on the left with a party of the
9th King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, which had succeeded
in occupying a line of shell-holes, which they had connected. To
this the Lincolnshire joined up their line and the whole was
consolidated.
Meanwhile, B and D Companies, supported by the Battalion
Bombers and Battalion Headquarters, left Switch Trench as A
and C Companies advanced from Gap Trench. But they also
had hardly left their trench when a terrific barrage fell on the
advancing line. Nevertheless, led by Major Orr, these com-
panies went forward as if on parade. Although all round them
shells were bursting and tearing gaps in their line. 1
• These two companies advanced for a distance of about one
thousand five hundred yards. " Officers and men falling every
minute. The barrage advanced with the line and the further
the line advanced the more intense became the barrage."
It was 1 p.m. when B and D Companies, with Battalion Head-
quarters, arrived in the original front line trench, greatly depleted
in numbers. The losses of the whole battalion at this period
were as follows : A Company — one officer wounded ; B Com-
pany — one officer killed, two wounded ; C Company — the
Company Commander and two other officers wounded ; D
Company — Company Commander killed and two officers
1 " The Guards on our right watched us go across and they said that they had never
seen a regiment go into action so well ; in fact, they chaffed us and said they thought we
were on peace-time training." {An officer f resent)
o 193
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
wounded. About twenty-five per cent, of other ranks had
been killed or wounded.
At about 1.37 p.m. the barrage lifted, but the enemy's
machine-guns continued to pour a venomous fire on the old
British front-line trench and it was not possible to advance to the
assistance of A Company, which had gone to help the attack of
the 4th Grenadiers.
The old front-line trench now held elements of at least four
battalions — Lincolnshire among them. The latter were, there-
fore, withdrawn to the sunken road (Watling Street) east of Flers
and reorganized. They then again moved into the old front line
and the men of other units were withdrawn : this was about 8
p.m. A Company still held on in front of the German strong
point — No. 91 — and the position became the new front, in touch
on the right with the 1st and 4th Grenadiers, and on the left
with the 9th King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.
Towards midnight the 1st Lincolnshire received orders to
withdraw to Switch Trench. Throughout the 26 th the bat-
talion (with the exception of A Company, still in the new front
line) remained in Switch Trench. Tea and rum were issued
during the afternoon and a supply sent to A Company. At
7 p.m. the battalion withdrew from Switch Trench and marched
back to bivouac lines north of Bernafay Wood. A Company
marched in at about 9.30 p.m., having been relieved by the 15th
Durham Light Infantry.
The 1st Lincolnshire's losses in this battle were : Captain
W.H. Rushton, 2nd Lieutenants CD. Prangley and L.W.
McClure John and twenty-one other ranks killed ; Captain
J.E.N.P. Denning, 1 Lieutenant G.P. Day, 1 and 2nd Lieutenants
W. Brydges-Sayers, C. Simmons, G.R. Wall, J.S. Carr, F.W.
Frazier and R J. Wood, and one hundred and twenty-seven other
ranks wounded. Major H.M.C. Orr and 2nd Lieutenants C.F.
Dring and H.J. Marling were wounded, but remained at duty.
Sixteen other ranks were missing. Total : fourteen officers and
one hundred and sixty-four other ranks.
The 1st Contingent of the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps,
attached to the 1st Lincolnshire, lost very heavily, losing fifty
per cent, of their personnel. The survivors were trained as
Lewis gunners, and amalgamated with the 2nd Contingent, thus
preserving the identity of " the Bermudas " as a unit.
Throughout the 27th and 28 th the Lincolnshire remained in
bivouacs north of Bernafay Wood in reserve to the 64th Brigade.
They provided carrying parties to take material up to the firing
line.
Gueudecourt fell later to the noth Brigade (21st Division).
1 Died of wounds, 26/9/16.
194
THE 6th LINCOLNSHIRE [SEPT . ,6th, 1916
The failure of the attack described above was largely due to a
want of knowledge of the ground over which the attack was made.
The ground over which the first attack passed was dead ground,
and that part of Gird Trench which ran through it, and the wire
defences in front, were sheltered from the observers in the British
gunners' observation posts. The enemy's defences right and
left of this portion of Gird Trench had been completely shattered
by our bombardment, but in front of the 64th Brigade the wire
was uncut, and the brigade, in consequence, could not reach the
enemy's front line.
VII
THE BATTLE OF THIEPVAL RIDGE : 26tH-28tH SEPTEMBER
The final attack on Thiepval was made not only for the purpose
of securing the German defences there, which had for so long
defied capture, but in order to bring the left flank of the British
front into line with the right and establish it on the main ridge
above the village, which was of considerable tactical value.
The attack on the ridge running from the north-west of Cource-
lette to the Schwaben Redoubt was carried out by the Canadian
Corps on the right and the II. Corps (1 ith and 1 8th Divisions) on
the left ; Mouquet Farm, Zollern Redoubt and Hessian Trench,
with Stuff Redoubt, were the objectives allotted to the nth
Division, of which the 34th (right) and 33rd (left) were the
attacking brigades. The 1 8 th Division was to capture Thiepval
(or rather the heap of stones and bricks and mortar — all that was
left of the village) and the Schwaben Redoubt.
The 6th Lincolnshire were in support to the 6th Borderers
and 9th Sherwood Foresters, the attacking battalions of the 33rd
Brigade. The battalion also supplied carrying parties and moved
up to the old support line—Ration Trench— at 12.35 P- m - (<**?
minutes after zero hour on the 26th), where they remained until
4-2o, when they took over Brimstone and Border Trenches — the
old firing line — finally moving to Constance Trench at 10 p.m.
This work was carried on for the most part under heavy shell-fire,
and the battalion behaved with the greatest gallantry, contributing
to the success of the whole operation. It should be remembered
also that Constance Trench, which was the jumping-off ground
for the attack, had been captured by the 6th Lincolnshire on the
1 5th/ 1 6th September.
At midnight two companies were sent up to support the 7th
South Staffords in Schwaben Trench, which had been captured
195
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
that day, but these two companies returned to Constance during
the afternoon of the 27th and the whole battalion was employed
in carrying stores up to the front line. On the 28th the 6th
Lincolnshire were engaged in establishing ammunition dumps
near the front line.
On the 2 9th the battalion relieved the 6th Borderers in Hessian,
Zollern and Schwaben Trenches, At about 1.45" p.m. the
32nd Brigade (on the right of the 33rd) again attacked the por-
tion of Stuff Redoubt held by the enemy, and after a stiff fight
succeeded in capturing it, but finally were only able to hold the
northern half. C Company of the 6th Lincolnshire, under
Captain Burrows, lent timely assistance by taking over three
hundred yards of the 32nd Brigade line : they also brought up
bombs, S.A.A., etc., which were badly needed. They held on
to this line until 3.30 p.m. on the 30th, when the 8th Loyal North
Lanes, relieved them. The battalion then marched back to
billets in Hedauville.
The 6th Lincolnshire lost, from the 26th to the 30th of
September, one officer (2nd Lieutenant J.H. Ingersoll) and
fourteen other ranks killed, and seventy-one wounded.
VIII
ZENITH TRENCH : 2 3RD OCTOBER
Among the many operations in the Great War which have no
official recognition in the form of a " Battle Honour," was an
attack made on the enemy's positions to the east of Les Boeufs
and Gueudecourt, in conjunction with French operations against
the Sailly-Saillisel heights and St. Pierre Vaast Wood. Bad
weather put an end to the Battle of Le Transloy, on the 1 8 th
October, and while waiting for conditions to improve in order
that further operations on the Ancre could be begun, the attack
referred to above took place. Two divisions took part in this
operation, i.e., the 4th and the 8th.
The 8 th Division, after the terrible losses sustained between
the 1st and 4th of July had (as already mentioned) been with-
drawn from the line and, by the end of that month, had settled
down in the Loos area, the 2nd Lincolnshire (25th Brigade)
spending from the 23rd of July to the 2nd of August in the
trenches east of Sailly la Bourse. This tour cost the battalion
one officer (2nd Lieutenant H.J. de Cann) and two other ranks
killed, and eleven wounded.
Normal trench warfare occupied the 2nd Battalion for over
196
THE 2nd LINCOLNSHIRE [oct.,i 9 i«
two months, but although the front-line trenches were frequently-
very unhealthy spots, both sides being exceedingly active,
there are few incidents of outstanding importance to record.
The Hohenzollern and Quarries sectors were both known to the
Lincolnshire, who served several tours in each. During a tour
in the latter, which began on the 1 5th August and ended on the
3 1st (a long tour), Major W.N. Pitt was wounded and died of his
wounds on the 20th. On the 19th of September (the battalion
being then in the Hohenzollern sector) a raid was attempted on
the enemy's trenches, which was only partially successful. In
this affair 2nd Lieutenant H.J. Dickinson, who was in charge of
the left party, gallantly entered the enemy's trenches, but was
killed, while 2nd Lieutenant Wreford, commanding the right
party, was wounded when helping to carry wounded men back
to the trenches.
The 2nd Lincolnshire were relieved on the 10th of October
and moved back to Houchin, thence on the 1 ith to Lozinghem,
where three days were spent in training. But the 8 th Division
had been ordered back to the Somme, and on the 14th, after a
march to Lillers, the Lincolnshire entrained and on reaching
Pont Remy during the afternoon, marched to Airaines. They
were back in familiar surroundings, and when on the 1 6th they
made another move to the well-known Citadel Camp, near
Meaulte, the battalion knew that very soon they would be in the
front line again.
The move up took place on the 1 9th. They left the Somme
at the height of the summer, in sweltering heat ; they returned
to a scene of desolation impossible of description. Mud and
water were everywhere and as they splashed their way through
to Trones Wood, chilled to the bone by the keen wind of rapidly
approaching winter, they had visions of what the front line
trenches were likely to be. On reaching Trones Wood, a halt
was made for dinner, after which, at 4.15 p.m., they pushed on
and, during the night of the 19th /20th, took over a line of
trenches near Les Boeufs from the 8th Bedfords.
The sub-sector taken over by the 25th Brigade (Gusty and
Misty Trenches) lay opposite a salient in the German line formed
by the two trenches, Zenith and Eclipse. The 2 3rd Brigade
was on the right of the 25th Brigade and the 24th on its left.
Hardly had the Lincolnshire settled down in the line when it
became evident that the battalion was in for a bad time. The
trenches were in a poor condition, for that portion of the line
was of recent capture and the troops who had held it, in the midst
of rain and mud, expecting counter-attacks and subjected to
heavy shell-fire, were unable to do a great deal of work.
The 20th, 2 1st and 22nd were days of great artillery activity :
197
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
the opposing guns shelled one another's trenches (forward and
back areas) and generally made existence in the front line uncom-
fortable. One officer of the Lincolnshire (2nd Lieutenant W.J.
Rawson) was wounded during this period. On the 21st the
battalion lost one other rank killed, seventeen wounded and eight
missing. That night assembly trenches for the attack were
begun.
The assault was originally timed to begin at 9.30 a.m., on the
23rd, but owing to fog was postponed until 2.30 p.m. At day-
break on the 23rd the 2nd Lincolnshire moved to their assembly
trenches, which were just behind Gusty Trench. The battalion
formed up with A (right) and D (left) Companies (under 2nd
Lieutenant J.B. Drysdale and Captain A.H.W. Burton respect-
ively) in the front line, and C (2nd Lieutenant C.W. Spicer) and
B (2nd Lieutenant H.W. Coneybeare) in close support in the
second line.
At 2.30 p.m. a creeping barrage fell and, keeping close up to
the screen of fire, the 2nd Lincolnshire, flanked on right and left
by the and Middlesex and 2nd Rifle Brigade respectively, ad-
vanced to the attack. The battalion went forward in fine style :
the first waves kept so close to the barrage that an officer and
several men were wounded by our shrapnel.
Three-quarters of an hour before zero the enemy was observed
working down Zenith Trench from the right, with the evident
intention of getting back via Eclipse Trench, but our guns had
so damaged this trench and blocked it with debris that he was
unable to carry out his intention. The consequence was that
the trenches in front of the Lincolnshire at zero hour were packed
with German troops.
The battalion had advanced about ten yards, when there
occurred a deed of great gallantry on the part of a German officer.
All the records speak of this man's actions in glowing terms.
The Diary of the 2nd Lincolnshire records that " as soon as the
battalion started to assault a very gallant German officer ran
down his own parapet and got his men up and stopped us by
rifle-fire."
The two front companies (A and D) were brought to a stand-
still. " The enemy," states the report of the Brigadier com-
manding the 25th Brigade, " got up very quickly and stood
shoulder high on the parapet, firing ' rapid ' at our men. . . .
All this took place in the midst of our standing and creeping
barrages."
The first wave of the Lincolnshire was shot down almost to a
man, only one section on the extreme right, where the 2nd
Middlesex had reached their objective, entered the German
trench, which at that particular point was empty. This party
198
THE 8th LINCOLNSHIRE [NO v. i 3 th-i8th, 1916
bombed some little way down the trench and maintained its
position during the night. The second wave, coming under
violent machine-gun fire as well as the rapid rifle-fire already
mentioned, also failed to reach Zenith Trench.
" By about 5 p.m.," reports the Brigadier, " the information
available was to the effect that the 2nd Lincolnshire appeared to
have been wiped out, that the Officer Commanding, Rifle
Brigade, could find very few of his men — it (Zenith Trench) was
also strongly held and had been reinforced over the open during
the afternoon."
The Lincolnshire were not quite wiped out, but had lost very
heavily, and just after 5 p.m. were ordered back to Rose Trench
in Brigade Support : all but the small party in Zenith Trench on
the extreme right of the 25th Brigade front, in touch with the
Middlesex of the 23rd Brigade. It is impossible to state when
these gallant fellows were withdrawn. A second attack on
Zenith by other troops also failed.
The strength of the 2nd Lincolnshire on going into action
was sixteen officers and four hundred and seventy other ranks ;
they came out of action having lost thirteen officers 1 and
two hundred and seventy-two other ranks.
Until the 27th the remnants of the battalion remained in
Rose Trench, and after they had reorganized provided carrying
parties for bringing in the wounded ; they were then relieved
by the 1st Royal Irish Rifles and marched back to bivouacs near
Trones Wood. The end of October found them once more in
camp at the Citadel, near Meaulte, reorganizing and training.
IX
THE BATTLE OF THE ANCRE ! I3TH-18TH NOVEMBER
Early in November the weather improved : dry and cold days
were followed by frosty nights and misty mornings. Under such
favourable conditions the ground improved considerably, though
in, places it was still very bad. Preparations were therefore
pushed on for an attack on the enemy's positions on the
Ancre.
The enemy's defences in this area were formidable, for since
the 1st of July, he had spent the interval in much hard work,
t 1 KiUed-Captain A.H.W. Burton, 2 nd Lieutenants J.D. Drysdale, C.W. Spicer, L.B.
Jones, FJ. Ritchie 5 wounded- 2 nd Lieutenants W.A. Bartlett, A.B. Radford, F. Hog-
ben, M. Stuart-Meulett, H.W. Coneybeare (died of -wounds, 24(10 fit), w - Moss » ^'1-
Lll l> R.J. Hett, A.S.C. attached (died of wounds, 26/10/16).
199
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
improving and extending them. St. Pierre Divion, Beaumont
Hamel and Beaucourt-sur-Ancre had been so strongly fortified
that it was apparent the enemy intended making them a per-
manent line of fortifications while he attacked elsewhere : he had
multiplied the number of guns covering this part of his front, and
at the end of October had put an extra division into his line be-
tween Grandcourt and Hebuterne.
On the i ith of November we began a preliminary bombard-
ment and for two days, with bursts of great intensity the guns
poured shell into his defences, until it seemed that nothing could
possibly live in such an inferno.
Then at 5.45 a.m. on the 13th, protected by a very effective
barrage, seven divisions attacked the German line from east of
Schwaben Redoubt to north of Serre. 1
The 1 2th November, the day before the assault, the 63rd
Brigade reached Lealvillers and Acheux Wood, the 8th Lincoln-
shire being in trenches in the wood, where they remained through-
out the 1 3th. On that day the 63rd (Naval) Division, attacking
close to the right bank of the river, by nightfall was established
in the western outskirts of Beaucourt. On the 14th the whole
of Beaucourt was carried, and the 63rd Brigade of the 37^
Division relieved troops of the Naval Division in Beaucourt, and
trenches on the left of the place.
Early on the morning of the 14th the 8th Lincolnshire (in
brigade) marched from Acheux Wood for the front line. They
arrived at a camp near Martinsart at about 1 p.m., where they
remained until about 7 p.m. Having made arrangements for
the relief of troops of the 63rd Division, they took over part of
the position captured by the Naval Division, which included a
portion of Beaucourt village.
The Battalion Diary contains the following entry : " 1 4. 1 1 . 1 6
to 20. 1 1 . 1 6. Battalion in action, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel
R.H. Johnston, D.S.O. Casualties, officers wounded — Captain
J.T. Preston, and 2nd Lieutenant A.B. Wiggins ; wounded and
missing believed prisoner, 2nd Lieutenant L.D. Edwards. Other
ranks, killed — fourteen ; wounded — one hundred and fifteen ;
missing — eight ; evacuated sick— thirty-five. Total, including
thirty-four n.c.o.s-— one hundred and seventy-two.'*
Colonel Johnston gives this further information : " In the
days following (after the relief on the 14th) further ground was
secured by means of parties pushed out at night. Shelling on
this ground both by day and by night was very heavy and con-
siderable work was carried out under the greatest difficulties.
The weather was consistently bad. Rain and snow made what
was left of the trenches a mass of mud. For twelve days work
x The Divisions from right to left were : 19th, 39th, 63rd, 51st, 2nd, 3rd and 31st.
200
THE BATTLES OF THE SOMME, 1916,
Fouqevil lers
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Line reached 1st, July >*«
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ha\r& Battalions of
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GENERAL RESULTS D uly- noV ., , 9 ,6
was carried out by the battalion under these circumstances,
during which time none of the battalion had their clothes off,
and on coming out of the trenches the men appeared covered
from head to foot in mud."
Between Beaucourt and Beaumont Hamel the ground was
broken up in all directions by trenches, most of which had been
flattened by our artillery. All the roads running out of the
former village had suffered in a similar manner. The front,
such as it was, was a series of posts which it was often impossible
to reach by daylight. North of Beaucourt and between Artillery
Lane and the Puisieux road the ground was honeycombed with
German dug-outs. All round, the battlefield was pitted with
enormous shell-holes, mostly full of noisome water : it was all a
desolate picture !
Although the 63 rd Brigade attacked the enemy on the 18 th
of November, the 8 th Lincolnshire do not appear to have been
engaged. On the 21st the battalion moved back into reserve
until the 23rd, when fresh trenches at Beaumont Hamel were
taken over. Here also seas of viscous mud had to be waded
through, and life in the shell-hole posts was one long agony.
After three days the Lincolnshire were relieved and marched
back to billets in Mailly Maillet. At the latter place a, large
draft joined the battalion to replace the severe losses incurred.
Work on the reorganization and the training of these new men
was at once begun. Since the 1st of July the 8 th Lincolnshire
had lost over forty officers and one hundred n.c.o.s — a terrible
toll, and one which will give some idea of the difficulties of keep-
ing the battalion fit and smart. It was, therefore, very gratifying
when, on the 7th of December, when the Divisional Commander
inspected the battalion, it received great praise.
The Somme battles of 1 9 1 6 were over 1 Every battalion of
the Lincolnshire Regiment, i.e., 1st, 2nd, 1 /4th, 1 /5th, 6th, 7th,
8 th and 10th, then in France and Flanders, had been engaged in
the terrific fighting between the 1st of July and the 18 th of
November. Their losses had been terrible, but they had well
and truly maintained the honour of the Regiment ; even when
their casualties had reached figures which meant that the battalion
"was almost wiped out, their courage was maintained.
In his despatch dated the 23rd December, 1916, in summar-
izing the general results of the Somme battles, Sir Douglas Haig
wrote that the three main objects with which the offensive had
been commenced in July had been achieved : " Verdun had been
relieved ; the main German forces had been held on the Western
Front and the enemy's strength had been very considerably worn
down. Any one of these three results is in itself sufficient to
justify the Somme battles. The attainment of all three of these
201
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
affords ample compensation for the splendid efforts of our troops
and for the sacrifices made by ourselves and our Allies. They
have brought us a long step forward towards the final victory
of the Allied cause." (Despatch of the iyd December^ 1916,
para. 38.)
202
PART SIX
THE BATTLES OF ARRAS AND LENS
1917
THIS IS A BLANK PAGE
A 2nd BERMUDA CONTINGENT [0C t., 1916
I
TRENCH WARFARE FROM JULY I 9 I 6 TO THE 1ST MARCH, I917
THE battles of the Somme, in which all battalions of the
Lincolnshire Regiment in France in 191 6 took part, which
began in July and ended in November, alternated with
periods passed in training camps, or in the monotony, discomfort
and danger, of tours in the trenches. Few noteworthy incidents
mark the history of battalions during the period, ending in
December 1 9 1 6, which followed the last of the Somme battles.
Casualties continued, generally caused by artillery-fire, though
in smaller numbers.
The 1 st Lincolnshire was joined at Maries les Mines, in
October 19 16, by the 2nd Contingent of the Bermuda Volun-
teers — 2nd Lieutenant Trimingham, and thirty other ranks,
trained as machine-gunners. The 1st Contingent had lost fifty
per cent, of their strength in the fighting at Gueudecourt, and
were trained as Lewis gunners : the two contingents were now
amalgamated and furnished twelve Lewis gun teams to the 1st
Battalion. Two officers were killed during a tour of duty in the
trenches, and Lieutenant J.L.P. Barnicott, on the 22nd Decem-
ber, and 2nd Lieutenant J. Larkin on Christmas Day.
Lieut.-Colonel E.P. Gould, 1st Buffs, joined on the 13th
December, and assumed command of the battalion, and on the
29 th of the month all ranks were delighted at a visit paid by the
Colonel of the Regiment, Major-General C.R. Simpson, C.B.,
who inspected the battalion during the morning on parade.
The 2nd Lincolnshire had several moves in and out of the
line, and lost one officer, Lieutenant Churchill, and twenty
other ranks killed, and fifty-two wounded.
The 4th and 5th Lincolnshire, in the Bienvillers-Berles sub-
sector, had the unpleasant experience of one thousand two hun-
dred and forty-four gas cylinders installed in the front-line
trenches, there to await a favourable wind'! The presence of
these cylinders was a constant source of annoyance to the trench
garrisons, owing to leakage, while the danger from premature
discharge of the poisonous fumes by a chance hit by one of the
enemy's shells produced an uncomfortable sense of insecurity.
Six of the cylinders were actually burst by enemy shell-fire on the
22nd August. 2nd Lieutenant Coles and fourteen other
ranks of the £th Lincolnshire were badly gassed, one of them
dying later at Berles. Lance-Corporal B. Hill, in the bay next to
that in which the cylinders burst, though badly gassed himself,
remained in the trench and warned all men in the neighbourhood
205
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
to put on their gas masks, as well as rousing all men asleep in
the dug-outs. His disregard of his personal safety undoubtedly
saved several lives and numerous casualties. He was awarded
the D.C.M. The gas was eventually released, with a favourable
wind, on the 30th August.
In September more gas cylinders were installed in the front
line, to the great disgust of the garrison, and on the 30th a large
number of them were damaged by enemy fire. Fortunately the
wind was in our favour, and carried the fumes across No Man's
Land to the German trenches. When at last it became obvious
that the presence of gas cylinders in the front line was known to
the German artillery, their removal was ordered — to the great
relief of the troops. On the night of the 4th October the last
cylinder was removed by a fatigue party of the Lincolnshire.
Two raids were carried out. One by the 4th Lincolnshire
on the 5th October, and another by the 5th Lincolnshire on the
1 8 th. The raiders on the second occasion, from A Company,
entered the German trenches about 8.30 p.m., and brought back
a shoulder strap and a helmet — sufficient to establish the identity
of the German unit holding the line. The General Officer
Commanding Division wired : " Well done 5th Lincolns."
Soon after this the 138th Infantry Brigade had a month out of
the line for rest and training.
The 6th Lincolnshire moved out of the line after the Battle of
Thiepval Ridge, at the end of September, and did not return to
it till the 14th November, to a wretched part of the battlefield,
a ravine west of Beaucourt, where the front line consisted largely
of shell-holes, unconnected, and full of mud and water. The
battalion came under heavy fire, and had ten men knocked out,
and Sergeant-Major Good and Sergeant-Major Needham killed.
Capture of Zenith Trench
The 7th Lincolnshire, after the Battle of Bazentin Ridge
(14th- 1 7th July), was in and out of the line in various places 1
until, on the 1st November, it relieved the 7th Border Regiment
in support between Les Boeufs and Gueudecourt. Throughout
the whole of the 1st November, day and night, the front and
support lines, held by the 51st Brigade, were heavily shelled.
The Border Regiment, to whom the 7th Lincolnshire were in
support, held Misty and Gusty Trenches. During the evening
of the 2nd November the Border Regiment attacked Zenith
Trench capturing some of it, and established a post in Eclipse
Trench. They were then relieved by the 7th Lincolnshire,
1 Officer casualties during this period were : and Lieutenant J. Harrison killed acci-
dentally, the 31st August and and Lieutenant E. Roberts died of wounds, 10th October.
206
THE 7<th LINCOLNSHIRE [NOV . 3 rd, z 9l6
which put all four companies in the front line. The usual heavy
shelling and sniping went on during the night, and on the 3rd
two determined German attacks were made after four hours
bombardment. The first was beaten off after being allowed to
approach within seventy yards of our position (2nd Lieutenant
Thomas' idea). The second was defeated by the skill of an
aviator, who, noticing our plight, flew back and got our guns on
the enemy. All S.O.S. trench signals had rotted in the mud.
Over one hundred dead Germans were counted in front of our
line, and four were taken prisoners. Very few returned to their
lines unwounded.
w -J.
_ ,J?>
ZENITH TRENCH
At 5 p.m. that evening, A Company (Captain R. Pennington 1 )
supported by the battalion bombers under 2nd Lieutenant J.R.
Williams, attacked and captured that part of Zenith Trench still
in possession of the enemy. Taken completely by surprise, the
enemy was absolutely beaten. About forty Germans were killed,
two officers and thirty-three other ranks were taken prisoner, and
four machine-guns were added to the trophies of the 7 th Lin-
colnshire. 2
It was when the German attack was dying away that
1 Captain R. Pennington was awarded the D.S.O., Captain E.R. Lindley, and and
Lieutenants W.E. Thomas and J.R. Williams, the M.C., and Private G.R. Richer, the
D.C.M.
2 Officer casualties to the end of the year were : Captain C.R. Barnes and 2nd Lieutenant
T.E. Stubbs, wounded on the nth November, and Lieutenant A.R.H. Squires wounded
accidentally on the 9th December.
207
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
Captain Pennington seized the opportunity to crawl behind the
German trench. The attack was made without bombardment,
and was a complete surprise. The bombers under Lieutenant
Williams bombed along the face of the trench. The mud was
knee-deep and the weather was vile. The trench had defied
capture for some three weeks, although some slight progress was
made by successive units, in establishing bombing blocks.
This brilliant affair drew from the Divisional Commander the
following congratulatory message, published in a General Order :
" The General Officer Commanding wishes to place on record
his appreciation of the gallant manner in which Zenith Trench
was captured and held against all counter-attacks by the 7th
— ?e
^o^__ ^r%
(M
'^F ^mwmm m^ ^
*°09*
Sketch 6y Capt. Ml I ford
Lincolnshire Regiment and 7th Border Regiment. The fact
that the 7th Border Regiment had already done forty-eight
hours in close support, and were completing their tour of forty-
eight hours in the front line makes their performance all the
finer. The General Officer Commanding is particularly pleased
with the initiative displayed by the Battalion and Company Com-
manders concerned. The dash and determination displayed
despite the bad weather and most trying conditions, reflect the
greatest credit on all ranks concerned, and will still further
enhance the good name gained by the 1 7th Division in the Battle
of the Somme,"
The battalion lost in this affair 2nd Lieutenant J.E. Robinson,
and twenty-four others killed, 2nd Lieutenant R.H. Merry-
weather, and sixty-three other ranks wounded, and ten missing.
The 4th November was spent in consolidating the ground gained.
The remainder of the year was spent on the Somme without any
special incident to record.
There is nothing out of the ordinary routine to record of the
8 th Lincolnshire, except that Lieut.-Colonel R.H. Johnston gave
up command of the battalion on the 9th December.
The 10th Lincolnshire carried out two raids, one in October,
and one on the 2 1st December. Neither was successful. The
first raid failed partly because of uncut wire, and because the time
allowed — five minutes — was too short. The wire had just been
208
TRENCH WARFARE [JAN .- MAR ., igi7
cut by hand, when the raiders were recalled. Captain H.N,
Newsum, and 2nd Lieutenant R. Brett were awarded M.C.'s,
and Lance-Sergeant J.L. Plowman, Corporal F.L. Westley, and
Private E. Hurst, M.M.'s for their share in this raid. The ioth
Battalion at the end of 1 9 1 6 was in Fort Rompu.
There is little to record of historical interest of the eight bat-
talions of the Lincolnshire Regiment in France at the beginning
of 1 9 1 7, up to the middle of March. All had many moves ;
tours in the trenches in great discomfort from mud and wet, as
well as danger, from hostile fire, or raids, and periods spent in
training camps, or as working parties. About the 1 5th March
the 1st, 6th and 7th Battalions were in the neighbourhood of
Doullens. The 1st at Halloy, the 7th at Gezaincourt, both
training, and the 6th in the Authie valley working on the railway ;
strenuous work which the battalion did so well as to earn special
appreciation from the Officer Commanding, the Railway Con-
struction Company, as well as from the Brigade Commander,
33rd Brigade. On the 5th February the 7th Battalion defeated
an attempted raid by Germans, dressed in white, to match the
snow, whilst in the Sailly Saillisel sector ; one German wearing
two iron crosses was brought in badly wounded — he died a few
hours later. Officer casualties in the 7th, from January to
March inclusive were : Captain R. Pennington and Lieutenant
C.S. Bott wounded on the 14th January, and Captain D. Roberts
on the 4th February.
The 1st and 8th 1 Battalions met at Mazingarde on the 28th
February, the latter remaining in the training area allotted to the
37th Division at Neuville-au-Cornet. On the 1st March,
Lieut.-Colonel L.P. Evans, D.S.O., from the Black Watch, who
was later to win the V.C., took over command of the 1st Battalion
from Lieut.-Colonel E.F. Gould, of the Buffs.
The 2nd Battalion of the Regiment had a more eventful time.
Though it spent some time in training camps, it had several
tours in the front line, north of the Somme, part of the extended
British front taken over from the French, previous to Nivelle's
intended attack in 1917. Lieutenant F.A.I. Richardson and
2nd Lieutenant O. Evans were wounded during the tour in the
Sailly Saillisel sector early in January. February was a quiet
month. A raid under 2nd Lieutenant Middleton, with thirty
other ranks from C Company was attempted on the German
trenches south of the Bouchavesnes-Moslain road on the night
of the 27th /28th February, but failed to enter the German
trenches, as the artillery had not cut the wire sufficiently. A
1 Lieut-Colonel E.A, Cameron, commanding the 8th Battalion was wounded on the
14th January, and Major D, Davies-Evans was in temporary command till the arrival
of Lieut.-Colonel T. Astley Cubitt on the ioth February.
P 209
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
second attempt was made by the same party on the night of the
29th, but met a German patrol, and after driving it back, came
under machine-gun fire, and could not advance further. During
this tour in the trenches fourteen other ranks were killed, and 2nd
Lieutenant J.D. Garrod and sixteen other ranks were wounded.
On the 4th March the 8 th Division attacked the enemy east
of Bouchavesnes, as from the high ground east of the village the
Germans could overlook our divisional area, and forward
trenches. The 2,5th Brigade on the right, and the 24th on the
left were to turn them out. In the 25th Brigade, the 2nd Royal
Berkshire was detailed to assault, and the 2nd Lincolnshire sup-
plied C Company and half D to mop up, B Company and the
remainder of D to form carrying parties, and A Company and
the Battalion Lewis gunners to hold the line, from which the
attack was to be launched. The Berkshire advanced at zero
hour, 5.15 a.m., under an excellent barrage, and captured Pallas
and Fritz Trenches. The Lincolnshire Diary mentions that
" the attack was successful, and all objectives were gained," but
gives no details. There is a brief reference in the Brigade
Narrative to operations of the Lincolnshire, which says that their
carrying parties lost direction and suffered heavy casualties,
whilst the moppers-up having entered Pallas Trench, moved
too far to their left, though they were in touch with the 24th
24th Brigade. The battalion casualties were : 2nd Lieutenant
R.A.F. Grantham, and eighteen other ranks killed, and 2nd
Lieutenants Galpin and Nicholls, and fifty-three other ranks
wounded ; 2nd Lieutenant Cox and thirteen other ranks missing.
The 1 /4th and i/^th Battalions remained during January,
February and to the middle of March, near Gommecourt. They
occupied in turn the Fonquevillers trenches, which in January
were deep in mud, so that the men often had to sleep outside the
dug-outs, on the firing steps. In one sector the trenches were
sofull of water that it came over the tops of the gum boots-
thigh. In both the right and centre companies' sectors,
trenches had to be abandoned, and the abandoned portions wired
in. In time, by pumping, draining and clearing trenches, and
constant hard work, the front-line trenches became cleaner and
more habitable ; but it was a hard life.
Little of interest happened in January, but on the 28 th
February, the 1 /5th Lincolnshire received sudden news that the
1 /4th Leicesters had, during the night of the 27th/28th occupied
Gommecourt, the enemy having evacuated the Park, Village and
Chateau. However, attempts to occupy " Z " Trench opposite
the Lincolnshire front were met by heavy fire. The Germans
had not yet determined to vacate that part of their front.
An incident in No Man's Land whilst the 1 /4th Battalion
210
THE 2/ 4 th & 2/5TH LINCOLNSHIRE [PBB , I?17
held the trenches in the Hannescamps sector has to be men-
tioned. A patrol of C Company under 2nd Lieutenant J.R.
Neave, on the Hannescamps-Essarts road, about six hundred
yards from their own lines, on the 15th February, was surrounded
by strong enemy patrols. Fortunately the Lincolnshire had a
Lewis gun under Sergeant Doe, and, with great gallantry, the
patrol fought its way through the Germans, and established
itself in some old gun-pits, whence the enemy was beaten off
and compelled to retire to his own lines. The patrol found the
body of a dead German, and brought it back to the trenches.
The 1 /4th was congratulated by the General Officer Command-
ing the Division, and the Brigade Commander ; 2nd Lieutenant
Neave was awarded the M.C., and Sergeant Doe and Corporal
Fluke the M.M.
On the 13th March, the i/4th and i/j:th Lincolnshire being
then out of the line, at St. Amand (four miles north-west of Gom-
mecourt) news was received of the enemy's retirement from
Grevillers, and the trenches in front of Achiet le Petit. All
existing orders were cancelled, and the Lincolnshire ordered to
be ready to march at short notice.
The 10th Lincolnshire, which ended the year at Fort Rompu,
was for some time in the front line in January, in bitterly cold
weather, until relieved by New Zealand troops. During
February and March the battalion moved from place to place,
either training or finding working parties, until on the 20th
March it went into billets in Arras.
At the end of February the number of Lincolnshire battalions
in France was raised from eight to ten, by the arrival of the
2 /4th and 2 /5th, as part of the 177th Brigade, 59th Division.
They arrived at Bayonvillers (thirty miles east of Amiens) on the
28 th February, and went into the line south of the Amiens-
Estrees-Villers Carbonell road, in the first week in March.
Lieutenant Goodman, the Bombing Officer of the 2 /5th was
wounded on the 4th March, and two other ranks of the 2 /4th
on the 6th. There were five more casualties in each battalion
from shell-fire or rifle-grenades by the middle of the month. ^ A
patrol of the 2 /5th under 2nd Lieutenant R.H. Turner, which
went out at midnight on the 10th, did not return till 8.30 on the
1 ith, having lain out in a shell-hole, thirty yards from the German
wire all day. The discomfort of the trenches may be inferred
from the following quotation from a diary : " The front-line
trench is very bad condition, and the men are very exhausted
after three days. It has been necessary to dig men out of the mud"
On the 1 2th Captain A.M. Worrall was wounded in the
shoulder, and one man was killed and another wounded during
the day.
211
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
An entry in the Battalion Diary, made at 7.30 p.m. on the
1 2 th, to the effect that fires were observed in the German reserve
lines, is full of significance, though the writer did not realize it
at the time. The enemy was preparing to evacuate his trenches
and retire to the Hindenburg Line.
II
THE GERMAN RETREAT AND THE BRITISH ADVANCE TO THE
HINDENBURG LINE : I4.TH MARCH-^TH APRIL, I917
The enormous losses sustained by the enemy in 1916, first
at Verdun, and then on the Somme, left him with no choice but
to shorten his line.
On the 4th February, therefore, the German Higher Command
issued orders that preparations were to be made to evacuate the
front line from opposite Arras to the Aisne valley, north-west of
Rheims. Behind this line a new powerful system of defences,
known as the Hindenburg Line, was to run from the enemy's
defences near Arras, in a south-easterly direction for twelve miles
to Queant, thence west of Cambrai to St. Quentin, La Fere, St.
Gobain to the northern banks of the Aisne, east of Crouy. It
is with those sectors of the line, held by divisions which contained
battalions of the Lincolnshire Regiment, who followed up the
retreating enemy across the devastated area, that this story deals.
On the night of the 13th of March the battalions in the front
line, support or reserve, between Damery, on the Roye-Amiens
road, and Arras were 1 /4th and 2 /5 th, south of the Somme, the
former in support at Belloy-en-Santerre, the latter in dug-outs in
Triangle Wood ; the 2nd Battalion in the Bouchavesnes sector,
north of the Somme, in the front line holding the northern sub-
sector ; 1 /4th and 1 /5th in reserve at St. Amand, but supplying
working parties for the Gommecourt-Fonquevillers sector ; and
the 1 st at Halloy, the 1 1st Division being then engaged in train-
ing for offensive operations.
The Diary of the 2 /4th records : " General warning as to
possible withdrawal of enemy : latter very quiet." The 2 /5th
states : " It is believed that the enemy had withdrawn east of the
Somme." After darkness had fallen on the evening of the 16th
red flares were observed burning in the German trenches all up
and down the line : it was the signal for the withdrawal.
At 2 a.m., on the 17th, and again at 7 a.m., raids were carried
out north and south of the Estrees-Villers Carbonnel road, and
each raiding party found that the enemy had evacuated his front
212
BRITISH ADVANCE [MAR ., I9I7
line. The advance began immediately. By noon the enemy was
definitely reported clear of the eastern bank of the Somme river.
Beyond the old German front line (which crossed the Estrees-
Vlllers Carbonnel road about half-way between the two villages),
the road was found damaged to such an extent that it was impas-
sable for transport. Both the 2 /4th and 2 /5th Lincolnshire
were, therefore, hard at work repairing the road until the 20th.
On the 2 1 st the 1 78th Brigade relieved the 1 77th in the front line,
and the Lincolnshire went back to Foucaucourt for a few days' rest.
The enemy was now falling back rapidly and on the 24th the
2 /4th marched to Belloy and stopped there for the night. On
the following morning they crossed the Somme by the bridge at
Brie, 1 and that night took up an outpost line through Catelet.
The 2 /5th marched to Eterpigny. On the 26th the former
battalion again advanced and reaching Boucly, took up an out-
post line in touch with our cavalry, who were screening the
advance. The outpost piquets were subjected to mild shell-fire,
but suffered no casualties. The enemy was found to be occupy-
ing Hervilly, where he had posted snipers in the village and on
the ridge east of it. The 2 /5th Battalion had meanwhile taken
up an outpost line east of Beaumetz.
At daybreak on the 27th German snipers from Hervilly fired
on the Lincolnshire piquets and killed one man of the former.
That night the 2 /4th sent two companies to Roisel, where they
relieved two companies of the 1st Bucks (T.F.). The 2 /5th
on the 27th marched to Nobescourt Farm, placing an outpost
on the Bernes-Hamelet road.
In the above neighbourhood the III, Corps had selected a
main line of resistance, which all troops not actually engaged on
outpost duty were ordered to begin digging immediately. On the
31st the 2 /5th Leicesters, supported by the 2 /4th Lincolnshire,
attacked Hesbecourt and cleared the enemy from the village.
The 2 /5th Lincolnshire also supplied forty-eight Lewis gunners
and twenty-four scouts and snipers to take part in the operation.
On the 1st of April the 2 /4th Battalion moved to Roisel, where
they worked to clear up the village and helped in the preparation
of the Corps line. The 2 /5th still remained at Nobescourt Farm.
The 2 /4th made their first attack on the 3rd. The battalion
had sent out the usual working parties in the morning, but at
10.45 a -*n. they were recalled as an attack had been ordered on
Fervaque Farm and Brosse Wood that night. At 6.45 p.m., the
Lincolnshire paraded and marched under cover to a point south
of Hesbecourt.
At 8.15 p.m., Company Commanders reported their men in
1 The bridge had been repaired by our engineers sufficiently for the passage of infantry
in single file. {Despatch of the 31st May, 1917* para. 13O
213
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
position and moving forward under the barrage, ready for the
assault. A and D Companies were in the firing line, C in sup-
port and B in reserve. An hour later the barrage lifted and the
assaulting columns at once advanced. They cameup, however,
against belts of wire from twelve to thirty feet thick, swept by
rifle and machine-gun fire. The enemy's 77mms., 4.2-in. and
5.9-in.,as well as minenwerfer, also opened fire, and the attack was
brought to a standstill. At 1 1 .50 p.m., a withdrawal was ordered.
We were now getting very near to the Hindenburg Line and the
Germans had no intention of allowing us to consolidate a position
in front of their new defences.
The 2 /4th Lincolnshire lost in this attack 2nd Lieutenant
W.K. Carruthers and five other ranks killed, 2nd Lieutenants H.
Hand and B.F. Mendel and thirty-five other ranks wounded and
sixteen other ranks missing. The battalion spent the 4th resting
in Roisel, and on the 5th moved to Templeux and took up an
outpost line between that village and Hargicourt.
The Hindenburg Line ran north and south through Bellicourt,
about two and a half miles east of Hargicourt, but the enemy
had no intention of allowing the latter place to be occupied with-
out holding us up as long as possible and the 2 /4th Lincolnshire,
pushing on towards the village suffered many casualties. Heavy
shell-fire on the 6th resulted in three other ranks being killed and
Captain C.L. Harvey 1 and sixteen men wounded. Patrols
reached the western outskirts of Hargicourt on the 7th, but were
shelled out ; they entered the village on the 8 th and returned to
Templeux. Early on the 9th as the enemy was reported to be
withdrawing, patrols were sent out, but found the Germans still
in occupation. At midday, however, Germans were seen moving
1 Died of wounds, ioth May, 1917,
214
THE 2/5-th LINCOLNSHIRE [APR . „ TH , x 9 , 7
back from their trenches north of Fervaque Farm. At 5 p.m.,
the 1 /4th, under Brigade orders, entered the enemy's trenches
north of Fervaque Farm, through a quarry, and took possession
of them up to the Hargicourt-Villeret road, thence to west of
Hargicourt. These positions were taken over by the 2 /5th
Lincolnshire during the night of the 9th/ioth of April.
The 2 /5th Lincolnshire also received orders to move to
Templeux on the 5th, but as they did not set out from Nobes-
court Farm until 6 p.m., it was dark when they reached Roisel,
and they billeted in that place for the night, the men finding what
accommodation they could amongst the ruins in the southern
portion of the village.
The 2 /5th Lincolnshire moved to Templeux on the 9th with
orders to attack the enemy, but the latter, having vacated the
position (which, as mentioned above, had been occupied by the
2 /4th), the battalion took over the captured trenches and estab-
lished an outpost line along the eastern exits of Hargicourt.
At 6 p.m. on the 10th, the 2 /5th were ordered to push their
posts forward and bomb down the enemy trench from Hargi-
court to Malakoff Farm and capture en route the Quarry and
Cologne Farm. It was decided, however, to capture the two
latter places first, for the Quarry was strongly defended by
machine-guns.
Later, at 1 1 p.m., Brigade Headquarters sent a message to the
Lincolnshire that the enemy was retiring on the Hindenburg
Line and the battalion sent out patrols to confirm the report.
They returned at 3 a.m. on the nth, stating that the Quarry
and ground in the neighbourhood of Cologne Farm were clear
of the enemy. Orders for an immediate attack were issued to
companies.
The attack was made at 4.30 a.m., but the report that the
enemy had retired was false, both the Quarry and Cologne Farm
being strongly held. The result was that the 2 /5th Lincoln-
shire though fighting gallantly, were driven back to their original
jumping-off line and sustained very heavy casualties. Cap-
tain T. Bryant and Lieutenant J.W. Walker were killed, Lieu-
tenant J. Simons and 2nd Lieutenant J.H.S. Shrewsbury were
wounded, and Lieutenant R.W. Alston was wounded and miss-
ing. In other ranks killed, wounded and missing, the losses were
two hundred and fifty-four. A and C Companies, who led,
suffered most, and were temporarily formed into one composite
company.
This tragic affair was the most important of several attacks on
or by the enemy : raids and contests between fighting patrols
being of course excepted.
Trench warfare now commenced all along the line. The
215
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
Germans were still busy on their new line, while we had to con-
struct ours, old German trenches being utilized wherever possible.
Thus the 2 /4th and 2 /5th Lincolnshire passed the summer of
19 17 on the Somme. There was plenty of work to do and it
was well carried out. Out of the line route marches and train-
ing generally occupied all ranks. 1
At the end of August the 59th Division moved from the
Somme to the Ypres area. The 1 /4th were established in camp
at Winnezeele on the 31st of August, the a /5th Battalion being
on that date in a tented camp at Proven.
In the Bouchavesnes sector the 2nd Lincolnshire had been
relieved on the 16th of March and were in Brigade support in
Lock Barracks and Bouchavesnes Cellars when the enemy began
to evacuate his line. On the 19th the battalion moved back into
what was now the old British front line, for in front of their
trenches there was another battalion of infantry with Corps
mounted troops, Moislain having been entered by us. The
Lincolnshire relieved the Welsh Guards in the Manancourt out-
post line on the 24th. On the 26th, at 5.30 p.m., Canadian
cavalry, in conjunction with patrols from the 2nd Leicesters,
attacked and occupied Equancourt, and later A, B and D Com-
panies moved up, relieving the cavalry and occupying the village,
west of which an outpost line was dug. The next evening, at
5.55 p.m., the enemy, after a heavy bombardment lasting half an
hour, attacked Equancourt on D Company's frontage \ he was
repulsed after losing heavily. Later, the Lincolnshire were re-
lieved and moved back to Rancourt, having lost one other rank
killed and thirteen wounded.
But the 8 th Division was pushing on energetically, and after
two days in reserve, the Lincolnshire on the 30th advanced to
support the 25th Brigade, which was advancing to an outpost
line east of Fins and Sorel le Grand, which was occupied without
much resistance. The 2nd Battalion then moved into Equan-
court and trenches west of that village in support. The 3 1 st
of March found the battalion occupying the outpost line east of
Fins, which included Dessart Wood.
On the 4th April the battalion assembled in a valley north-east
of Fins to support an attack by the 2nd Berkshire and 2nd Rifle
Brigade on Gouzeaucourt Wood and the high ground south of
the wood. Zero hour was 2 p.m., and an hour later C Company
(Captain Clifton) moved up into close support of the Berkshire
in the south-eastern corner of Dessart Wood, and at 4.45 p.m.
1 Officer casualties during the period were as follows : a /4th Lincolnshire— Lieutenant
A.J. Cook (killed 27/4/17), 2nd Lieutenant Godfrey (wounded 27/4/17), Captain E.T.
Hicks (died 12/5/17), Lieutenant C.A.S. Everett (killed 17/6/17), 2/5* Lincolnshire—
2nd Lieutenant F. Wright (killed 12/4/17), 2nd Lieutenant E.G. Akhurst (wounded
2 9/4/i7)> 2nd Lieutenant G.J. Pearson (wounded 1/6/17).
2l6
THE 2nd LINCOLNSHIRE [ap R .-,uly, i 9I7
B Company (Captain Marshall) was sent forward to the 2nd
Battalion of the Rifles to maintain touch between them and the
20th Division on the left. These orders were duly carried out.
At about 5 p.m., the remainder of the battalion moved to the
valley north-east of Heudecourt in support of the Rifles. D
Company maintained touch between that battalion and the
Berkshire. The attack was successful, the attacking battalions
reaching their objective ; the Lincolnshire then moved back to
Fins. The next day they relieved the Berkshire in Gouzeau-
court Wood outpost line. 1
On the 1 8 th and the 2 ist April the 2nd Lincolnshire made two
attacks on Gonnelieu. On the 1 8 th the battalion sent six strong
fighting patrols, which attempted to enter the village, but
were held up by wire and machine-guns. Lieutenant Eld,
commanding A Company, and eleven other ranks were killed,
and 2nd Lieutenants Garrard and Bannister and twenty-six other
ranks wounded. Seven other ranks were missing.
The village was reconnoitred again on the 19th and 20th, and
successfully attacked on the 21st by B Company (Captain
Marshall) and D Company (Captain Bruce), assaulting with A
Company (Lieutenant Mann) and C Company (Captain Clifton),
in support.
The attack commenced at 4.20 a.m., and by 5.20 a.m., the
leading companies were digging in on their final objectives north
and east of the village. About forty-eight prisoners, four
machine-guns and four Stokes guns were taken in this affair.
Our casualties were — Captain Marshall and Lieutenant Bloomer
wounded, eleven killed and forty-eight wounded in other ranks.
May was uneventful. The 8th Division was in reserve to the
IX. Corps during the Battle of Messines, but on the 30th July,
the 2nd Lincolnshire moved into assembly trenches in prepara-
tion' for the attack on the Pilkcem Ridge, in the Flanders Offen-
sive, on the 3 1 st July.
It will be remembered that on the 13th of March the 1 /4th
reported that the enemy had evacuated Grevillers and his trenches
west of Achiet le Petit, and that the battalion was awaiting orders
to march at short notice. That night the 1 3 7th Brigade attacked
the enemy, but found the Bucquoy Graben strongly held : the
attack failed. On the 16th the 138th Brigade was ordered to
repeat the attack. The 1 /4th Lincolnshire to be on the left and,
after taking Bucquoy Graben, to pass on to Preussen Graben
and Hill 155.
Both the 1 /4th and 1 /5th Battalions practised the attack on
prepared ground at Chateau de la Haie, but late at night on the
1 Though officially the German retreat ends on the 5th April several days of fighting
ensued after that date until our positions in front of the Hindenburg Line became stabilised.
217
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
1 6th the operations were cancelled as the enemy had retired.
The 138th Brigade was then ordered to relieve the 139th,
The 1 /4th Lincolnshire marched off at 3 p.m., on the 17th
and relieved the left battalion of the 139th Brigade in posts run-
ning roughly east to west through Quesnoy Farm, where prepara-
tions were made to continue the advance at dawn as touch with
the enemy had been lost. On the night of the 1 7th/ 1 8th the
1 /5th also moved forward to Rettemoy Farm.
Strong patrols, pushed out early on the 18th, failed to get
touch with the enemy, who was retiring with all speed to the
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Hindenburg Line. By the night of the 18 th the 1 /4th had
formed an outpost line from Douchy to Adinfer, the 1 /£th
(on the right of the 1 /4th) holding a spur between Ayette and
Moyenneville. Ayette was found to be an absolute wreck, no
shelter for the troops or water being found. Of Douchy, the
1 /4th record that " the whole village is a mass of ruins. Houses
have been demolished, trees cut down and roads damaged by
mines. Surrounding villages present a similar appearance and
the whole country bears the smear of Hun Kultur."
Corps troops now took up the pursuit and the 1 /4th Lincoln-
shire moved back to billets in St. Amand, the 1 /5th returning to
Souastre. They did not, however, stay very long in these vil-
218
THE ist LINCOLNSHIRE [MA *., , 9 . 7
lages, for the 46th Division was ordered to join the II. Corps
of the First Army and in stages marched to the Amiens area,
where on the 27th the brigade group entrained at Saleux for
Lillers, whence the 1/4H1 Lincolnshire marched to Estree
Blanche and the 1 /5th to Bourecq, where they settled down in
billets for training.
The ist Lincolnshire finished their period of training out of
the line at Halloy on the 24th March, and on the 25th marched
to Bienvillers au Bois. The weather was still bad and on the
27th the battalion continued the advance in snow and rain. On
marching into Adinfer the village was found practically razed to
the ground and shelter could not be found for the troops. The
next morning the Lincolnshire moved to Boiry St. Martin, but
here also there was little or no shelter for the battalion, though
by collecting timber from the ruined houses rough bivouacs were
speedily erected. The next move was to Hamelincourt on the
30th, where the front line was to be taken over from the 13th
Northumberland Fusiliers.
The line consisted of posts along the St. Leger— Boiry Becque-
relle road and were merely temporary, for orders were received to
push forward to a line in advance of the St. Leger-Henin-sur-
Cojeul road. These orders were carried out during the night of
the 30th /3 1 st of March.
The Croisilles— Henin road was gained without opposition,
but a patrol pushed out towards Croisilles itself, met two hostile
patrols, the first consisting of two Germans, of whom one was
killed and the other captured. The Lincolnshire patrol was
then fired on by machine-guns, evidently in an entrenched posi-
tion, and as the orders were not to attack the enemy, the patrol
fell back. On the return journey the second German patrol was
encountered and chased, but got away. On the 31st the Croi-
silles-Henin road was finally cleared of the enemy. This was
not done without some difficulty, for, though on the left the line
of the road was gained without opposition, on the right the enemy
sniped for a considerable time and then attempted to drive the
Lincolnshire out by a bombing attack. This attack met with
a certain measure of local success till it was checked chiefly owing
to the gallantry of Lieutenant Dawe. This officer, though
wounded in the wrist, remained for two and a half hours at the
forward post, and by the energetic use of his Lewis gun drove
off the Germans, who had a machine-gun with them. The ist
Lincolnshire had two officers and fourteen other ranks wounded
in this affair.
On the 1 st of April the enemy shelled the new positions heavily,
but did little damage. The work of consolidation proceeded.
On the 2nd the 13th Northumberland Fusiliers on the right, and
219
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
the 1 2th Northumberland Fusiliers on the left in conjunction
with divisions on right and left, attacked the enemy. The ist
Lincolnshire, who were by now established well in advance of the
remainder of the brigade, were ordered to assist on either flank
by pushing out patrols to secure the second objective, which was
only to be consolidated at night.
The attack was successful and the Lincolnshire Lewis gunners
had good targets as the enemy fled. Patrols on both flanks
also co-operated with the Northumberland Fusiliers. The
line finally held by the ist Lincolnshire before they were
relieved on the night of the 2nd /3rd of April was a trench run-
ning parallel with, and about six hundred yards north-east of, the
Croisilles— Henin road.
DAWN BEFORE ARRAS
On relief by the 1 5th Durham Light Infantry, the 1 st Lincoln-
shire, very tired, moved back to support positions along the rail-
way embankment, and on the night of the 4th to Moyenneville,
thence on the 5th to Adinfer. So far as the Lincolnshire
Regiment was concerned, there is no more to be told of the
German retreat to the Hindenburg Line.
The 10th Lincolnshire spent May and June on the Arras
front. In July the 34th Division took a section of the front east
of Peronne, and the 10 ist Brigade held the sub-sector, which
included Hargicourt and Villeret.
Although several months had passed since the Germans had
retired to the Hindenburg Line, the British. Line was still far from
220
THE ioth LINCOLNSHIRE [AUG ., I9I7
complete, and when the ioth Lincolnshire went into the forward
defences on the night of the 2 5th /26th July, the latter consisted
mainly of posts with a main line trench in course of construction
with strong points behind. The Germans mainly relied upon
their trench-mortars with which to cause casualties and damage
our defences, but a few well organized heavy shoots by way
of retaliation very soon subdued his ardour. Patrol work was
very active, three or four parties going out each night, but little of
importance happened until the fourth week in August, when the
101st Brigade as a whole attacked the enemy with the intention
of wresting from him the high ground east of Cologne Farm (east
of Hargicourt and Villeret) to obtain observation of the Hinden-
burg Line and to inflict losses on him.
The Lincolnshire were out of the line in Brigade Reserve at
Hancourt, when orders were received to attack the enemy, and
practice for the attack at once took place. On the 24th August
the battalion moved from Hancourt, A and D Companies and
Headquarters to Roisel, B Company to the Intermediate Line
west of Hargicourt, and C Company to the front-line trenches
(Hen and Indian Trenches) from seventy yards south of Un-
named Farm to No. 1 1 Post, inclusive. 1
The Brigade attacked with all four battalions in the front line,
in the following order from right to left : 15th and 16th Royal
Scots, ioth Lincolnshire and nth Suffolk. The 20th North-
umberland Fusiliers were detailed as reserve, while a company
of the 23 rd Northumberland Fusiliers was to bomb up Rifle Pit
Trench and join hands with the Suffolk on the left of the Black
Line.
There were two objectives (1) the Black Line, which ran from
the northern corner of Malakoff Trench along Sugar Pond and
Railway Trenches ; and (2) the Red Line, from the junction of
Malakoff Trench and Malakoff Support, southwards along the
latter, then east of the Sugar Factory along Bait Trench and a line
of shell holes east of Railway Trench to the railway.
The sector to be attacked by the ioth Lincolnshire included
New Trench, New Cut, Sugar Trench, Ruby Farm, Sugar
Factory, Bait Trench. Their first objective was Sugar Trench,
and the second Bait Trench and a line in front of the north-
eastern corner of the Sugar Factory.
A and D were to be the two front attacking companies, sup-
ported by B and C in reserve. Zero hour was finally fixed at
4-3o a.m., on the 26th August. On the 25th the Divisional
artillery put down a special " Chinese " barrage with a view to
ascertaining where the enemy was likely to put down his barrage
when the attack began.
1 See Map, page 214.
221
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
The forming-up operations during the night of the 2£th/26th
were carried out in absolute silence, and between 3.30 and 4
a.m. on the a 6th, all battalions were in position, the Germans
evidently having no suspicion of the coming attack. At 4. 3 o a.m.
our barrage fell on the German lines while machine-guns swept
the lines by which hostile reinforcements could reach the enemy's
front line.
In perfect order the Lincolnshire advanced across No Man's
Land, and Cologne Support and New Trench were crossed with-
out resistance. There was no wire and the trench had been
almost obliterated by our guns. The enemy's barrage fell
promptly, but it was ragged and weak, causing but few casualties.
The advance continued steadily to Sugar and Pond Trenches.
The enemy's resistance was feeble, the majority of the garrison
being in dug-outs : every German encountered was either killed
or taken prisoner. Ruby Farm and Bait Communication Trench
proved no obstacle, though the advance was made difficult owing
to all landmarks having been blotted out by our bombardment.
In the Sugar Factory some twenty Germans were found, all being
killed or taken prisoner. Bait Trench and the Red Line
generally was reached well up to time and practically without
opposition. A temporary gap occurred between the 1 6th Royal
Scots and the 10th Lincolnshire, whose right had pushed on
ahead of the left of the Scotsmen. The Germans succeeded in
penetrating this gap and bombed down Bait Trench, but were
then caught between the two attacking battalions and all were
accounted for.
Parties of Lincolnshire, in their eagerness to reach the Red
Line, overshot the objective and reached Ruby Wood, which
they found empty. All but one party returned immediately, the
remaining party returning after dark.
By 6.20 a.m., all objectives had been captured. Covering
and observing parties were then pushed out, while the work of
consolidation began. One of these covering parties ran into a
battery of light trench-mortars (six guns) and a crew of twenty
Germans. They were in pits. A bombing party was immedi-
ately organized and rushed the pits, the enemy surrendering.
The consolidation of New, Sugar and Bait Trenches continued
throughout the day, but in front of the Sugar Factory, any
attempt at working was promptly stopped by the enemy. The
night of the 2 6th /27th August was comparatively quiet.
The 27th was normal but at about 9.30 p.m. the enemy
attempted a counter-attack, which was immediately nipped in
the bud.
The 10th Lincolnshire were relieved during the night of the
27th /28th and marched back to billets in Bernes. Their losses
222
THE BATTLES OF ARRAS [l9I7
were three officers 1 and thirty-two other ranks killed, six officers 8
and one hundred and sixty-nine other ranks wounded, and thir-
teen other ranks missing.
During September trench warfare was very active on the
Somme, but, barring an attempted attack by the enemy on the
23 rd (which was a complete failure) the 10th Lincolnshire passed
a comparatively uneventful existence in the front line and in rest
billets until the 28th, when the Division began to move north.
On the 29th the battalion reached the Berles-au-Bois area, where
they remained until the 7th of October. On the latter date the
Lincolnshire entrained for the Ypres Salient and on arrival at
Houpoutre marched to Proven.
In view of the coming operations on the 9th the battalion
entrained at Proven on the 8 th for Elverdinghe, arriving about
midnight. They made no attack during the following day, but
immediately after zero hour on the 9th marched to Langemarck,
where they were engaged in road repairing. Under heavy shell-
fire they worked all day, losing seven other ranks killed and
eighteen wounded.
Ill
THE BATTLES OF ARRAS 1917
The First Battle of the Scarpe, yth-itfh April
The plans which Sir Douglas Haig originally framed for the
operations in 191 7, had to be modified, under instructions from
our Government, in order to conform to those of our Allies, and
it was arranged that an offensive should be commenced early in
April, on as great a scale as the extension of our front permitted,
preparatory to a more decisive operation to be undertaken later
by the French Armies. 3
Haig's original plan for the preliminary operations on the
Arras front fitted in well with what was required in the revised
scheme. The new German lines of defence, before our attack,
ran in a north-westerly direction through Croisilles to Tilloy-
les-Mafflaines, two miles south-east of Arras. Thence the original
trench systems continued northwards across the Scarpe to the
Vimy Ridge. The defences comprised three separate trench
1 and Lieutenants C. Branfoot, G.H. Simons and J.S. Thomas.
2 Captain Hartshorn and 2nd Lieutenants Adshead, Wrack, Skidmore, Cairns, and
Noall.
3 Despatch of the z S th December, 1917, para. 5. {Note.— In December 1916 General
Nivelle succeeded Marshal Joffre, and a new plan of campaign was adopted by the French.)
223
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
systems, and formed a highly organized defensive belt from two
to five miles in depth. In addition from three to six miles further
east the system known as the Drocourt-Queant line, approached
completion and formed a northern extension of the Hindenburg
Line.
The attack was planned to be carried out by a succession of
British Line 3 d / 1 April, A.M.
» >? » p^M.
2 Miles
1
Croisifles
short advances to correspond with the enemy's successive
systems of defence. The general attack on the 9th April was
launched at f.30 a.m., and by the end of the day we had gained a
firm footing in the enemy's third line, north and south of the
Scarpe, and made an important breach in the enemy's last fully
completed line of defence.
On the 9 th April the 34th Division, in which was the 10th
224
THE ioth LINCOLNSHIRE [APRIL , i 9 i 7
Lincolnshire, in the ioist Brigade, held the front line, north of
the Scarpe, east and south-east of Roclincourt ; the 37th Division,
8th Lincolnshire, in the 63rd Brigade, was in Arras, in readiness
to " go through " south of the Scarpe when the third objective,
called in the attack orders, the Brown line, had been gained ;
the 2 1st Division was south of Henin-sur-Cojeul, the
62nd Brigade, in which was the 1st Lincolnshire, being in
reserve.
The part played in the battle by each of the three Lincoln-
shire battalions will be described in turn, commencing with the
ioth Battalion, in the 34th Division, which was first in
action.
The 34th Division attacked with its three brigades in line, the
ioist Brigade on the right. The 1 6th Royal Scots and the 1 ith
Suffolk were in the front line, with the 15th Royal Scots and the
ioth Lincolnshire in support, and reserve respectively, to capture
the final objective just east of the cross roads at Le Point du
Jour.
The ioth Lincolnshire (Lieut.-Colonel Clark) moved at zero
hour to the assembly trenches vacated by the 15th Royal Scots.
Half an hour later the battalion was ordered to advance to the
Blue line, preparatory to an assault on the Brown line.
The advance was well carried out, and companies arrived accu-
rately on their jumping-off positions in Wire Valley. At 12.16
p.m., the battalion, with the 15th Royal Scots on the right, and
the 102nd Brigade on the left, advanced to attack the Brown
line. The leading companies reached the Joke Line (an inter-
mediate line formed by Joke Trench) at about 12.45 p.m., with-
out opposition and only intermittent shell-fire. Now, however,
they came under fire from a German battery east of the Brown
line, and some sniping from the front and left rear. The com-
panies pushed on until the wire in front of the Jimmy Line
(formed by Jewel and Jimmy Trenches) was reached. This
wire was ten feet wide and uncut. The men lay down whilst
wire-cutting parties went forward to cut lanes. There was no
opposition except from snipers, but by the time the wire was cut
the barrage was far ahead, and the two leading companies were
hopelessly mixed. Lieutenant Proctor was wounded at this
period and a few prisoners were taken.
As soon as the companies were through the wire the advance
was resumed without sorting them out. The line of trenches
from the Point du Jour northwards (the Brown line) was
captured without serious opposition, somewhere between 2 p.m.
and 2.30 p.m. Three more officers — Lieutenant W.F. Cocks
and 2nd Lieutenants W. Mattison and Gillander — were wounded
during the later stages of the advance, the first and the last-named
Q 22 5
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
(who were the two leading Company Commanders) mortally.
The enemy made a feeble counter-attack, which was easily
repulsed.
Troops of the 102nd Brigade were now mixed with the 10th
Lincolnshire, which had lost direction during the advance. As
a result, there was some difficulty in establishing the Green
line, but a temporary line was eventually formed some three
hundred yards in front of the Brown line. Germans were
reported advancing in the valley in front of the Green line,
but no attack materialised, and the night was quiet. Through-
out the night consolidation continued, and by dawn on the 1 oth
a good defensive position had been established.
There was a considerable increase in the volume of shell-fire
throughout the day on the 1 ith April, but patrols sent forward did
not meet hostile troops. The battalion side-stepped to the left
during the day, the movement being completed during the night
of the 1 ith / 1 2th. The 1 2th passed without incidents or impor-
tance, and that night the 10th Lincolnshire were relieved by the
nth Suffolk and moved to dug-outs in the Blue line, where
on the night of the 13th /14th the battalion was relieved by
troops of the Naval Division, and then marched to billets in
Maizieres. During the operations of the 9th-i4th April the
1 oth Lincolnshire lost two officers killed, five wounded, and one
hundred and fifty other ranks killed, wounded or missing. About
sixty other ranks went to hospital suffering from exposure and
exhaustion, for the weather had been vile.
The 8 th Lincolnshire (Lieut.-Colonel Greatwood), advancing
through Arras with the 63rd Brigade, on the 9th April, reached
226
THE 8th LINCOLNSHIRE
[APRIL, 191 7
assembly trenches by 11.30 a.m. The Brigade advanced at
3.35 p.m., was established in Battery Valley by 6 p.m., and at
7.3 5 p.m., the 8th Lincolnshire and 8th Somerset, with a section
of machine-guns, were ordered to occupy Orange Hill (about
two thousand yards north-west of Monchy-le-Preux). By mid-
night the brigade line was established on the northern half of the
hill, the Somerset on the right, Lincolnshire on the left. At
midnight the 4th Middlesex moved up to the left of the Lincoln-
shire.
Throughout the 10th attempts were made by the 63 rd Brigade
to take the German defences north-west and north of Monchy,
the r 1 1 th Brigade attacking Monchy. Heavy rifle and machine-
gun fire from the enclosures and network of trenches north of
• •■•••/JocroY. British Line Aprtt&tfr 1917
■*•>■■■ n » n April 3<$> »
XXXX » » •» dpril 24V">
fmi^mm» » u >t Dec. 7th. n
Monchy brought both attacks to a standstill. At 7.30 p.m., the
Lincolnshire, Somerset, and Middlesex made another attempt,
all three battalions advancing, but they were stopped almost im-
mediately, heavy machine-gun fire sweeping the ranks of the
advancing troops. Finally, the brigade consolidated along Lone
Copse Valley. 1
Monchy was taken on the nth April by the 111th Brigade,
and the 1 5th Division. The 63rd Brigade, which was assembled
along the bank in Lone Copse Valley— the high ground being
under the enemy's artillery barrage — received an order at 10.30
a.m. to advance to Infantry Hill, and Bois des Aubepines, east of
Monchy. The order was issued in consequence of an erroneous
1 This valley is called " Happy Valley " on the map, No. 3, which accompanies Haig's
Despatches, edited by Colonel Boraston. Lieut.-Colonel Greatwood was severely wounded
in this attack.
227
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
report that the 1 5th Division had taken the line Keeling Copse-
Pelves. The 10th York and Lancaster advanced to cover the
movement, but when they reached the ridge were received by
enfilade machine-gun fire from Roeux and the north-east, which
made it clear that the 15th Division had not reached the line
referred to above. The 4th Middlesex and 8 th Lincolnshire
were ordered into Monchy, but again came under machine-gun
and barrage-fire, and were hung up on the north-western outskirts
of the village. The narrative of the Lincolnshire reads : " I dug
in at H.36.b " (i.e. north-north-west of the Practice Trenches)
" being in touch with the York and Lancaster on the left, and
holding a line about four hundred yards to the south, where I was
in touch with the Middlesex on my right."
At 2 p.m., the Officer Commanding 8 th Lincolnshire received
orders to support an attack, and consolidate the line Keeling
Copse-Bois des Aubepines. The battalion made no move on
the 1 2th, the Officer Commanding reporting that " at 8 p.m., I
brought the battalion out without further casualties. My total
casualties, so far as at present ascertained, are : officers, nine ;
other ranks, two hundred and forty."
; The 8 th Lincolnshire returned to Arras on the night of the
1 2th, to Duisans on the 13th, and on the 14th to Beaufort.
The 1 st Lincolnshire (Lieut.-Colonel L.P. Evans) reached
Boiry St. Martin (seven thousand yards west of Henin-sur-
Cojeul) from Adinfer on the 8 th April. Their brigade, the
62 nd, was in reserve, the 64th Brigade, supported by the 110th,
having been detailed for the attack by the 21st Division.
Late on the 9th April, the battalion moved to trenches and the
sunken roads, east of Boiry Becquerelle, and was in position by
midnight. At 3 a.m. on the 10th, the battalion moved to the
Croisilles-Henin road and was in position there by dawn. The
1st Lincolnshire and 10th Yorks, were now in support to the
64th Brigade, which had carried out a gallant and successful
attack on the Hindenburg Line south-east of Heninel. At 4
p.m., the 62nd Brigade received orders to relieve the 64th, but
before the relief could be carried out 'the enemy heavily counter-
attacked, at 6 p.m., and drove the 64th from the trenches they
were occupying. A newly-dug trench in front of the Hinden-
burg Line was then occupied as a rallying point, and the 64th
Brigade reformed on the slope of the hill. The 1 st Lincolnshire
relieved the East Yorks in the new trench, the Yorkshire taking
over a sunken road just east of Henin. Orders were received
that night to attack the enemy's trenches from a point about half-
way between the Cojeul and Sensee rivers to the Henin-Heninel
road. The 62 nd Brigade was to make the attack, with the Lin-
colnshire on the right, Yorks on the left, remaining battalions in
228
THE ist LINCOLNSHIRE
[APRIL, 1 91 7
support and reserve. Zero hour was to be at 6 a.m., the artillery
barrage to commence at 5.38 a.m.
The Lincolnshire and Yorks completed the relief of the 64th
Brigade by 1 a.m., and sent out patrols to examine the enemy's
•wire. Few points were found at which entry could be made, and
the intervening wire was so thick that it was impossible to see
through it. The enemy was alert and active.
No easy task lay before the attacking troops. The frontage
was about one thousand two hundred yards, necessitated by the
few gaps in the enemy's wire. At zero on the nth the Lincoln-
shire and Yorkshire advanced in excellent order, and with great
steadiness, following the barrage right up to the enemy's wire.
In daylight it looked even more formidable than it did in dark-
ness.
FIRST BATTIE OF THE SCARPE, I917
The Lincolnshire found three lanes, but the Yorkshire could
only find one, and another with the wire partly cut. Each lane
was, however, commanded by German machine-guns, fired from
concrete emplacements of cunning design. They were almost
embedded in the earth, with narrow slits but a few inches from
the ground, through which the German gunners poured a stream
of bullets on the attackers. On the flanks, and in the narrow
trenches situated in the densest part of the wire the enemy's
snipers were also active.
At first the advance met with very little rifle-fire, but as soon
as the leading waves of the attack reached the entanglements,
and the lanes through which they attempted to pass, the German
machine-guns poured a murderous cross-fire into the Lincoln-
shire and Yorkshire. Great, but useless, bravery was shown by
229
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
these battalions in their attempts to get through. Many men
not able to find a lane, forced their way beneath the wire, only
to be shot down as they emerged on the opposite side. The two
left companies of the Lincolnshire lost all their officers and the
right company could not find an entrance. In spite of the heavy
fire both battalions clung to their positions with splendid tenacity,
in and outside the wire (in one instance in the sunken road on the
enemy's side of the wire) until ordered by the Brigade Commander
to withdraw, to enable the guns to re-bombard the wire. At
dusk all units occupied their original positions. After dark the
1 2th Northumberland Fusiliers relieved the Lincolnshire, and
the 13th the Yorkshire. The relief was completed by 9.30
p.m. It was snowing hard, and there was to be another attack
next day. The Battalion Medical Officer (Captain C. Jacobs),
mentioned as a most gallant man, worked hard, and all the
wounded were brought in.
One n.c.o. especially distinguished himself in this attack,
Lance-Sergeant A. Walker. In a shell-hole behind the enemy's
wire, some men of the Lewis gun section had established them-
selves under Sergeant Walker. This gallant man made almost
superhuman efforts to overcome the enemy's machine-gun fire.
For six hours he fired his Lewis gun, and seven times he crossed
the open ground in full view of the enemy for fresh supplies of
ammunition. He was finally killed about 12.30 p.m. His
Commanding Officer wrote : "To keep fighting a lost battle
for six hours from an exposed position needs a determination that
is given to few. I know of nothing finer in the war."
On relief the Lincolnshire moved into support on the Henin-
Croisilles road. Next morning, between 7 a.m. and 1 1 a.m.,
the enemy evacuated his positions, and the Lincolnshire moved
into the Hindenburg Line. On the 1 3th April the Lincolnshire
supplied carrying parties for the 1 2th Northumberland Fusiliers
who attacked in an easterly direction along the Hindenburg Line.
On the night of the 1 4th / 1 5th the Lincolnshire were relieved and
marched to Boiry St. Marc, thence on the 15th to Bellacourt.
The losses of the 1st Battalion in the first Battle of the Scarpe
19 17 were one officer (2nd Lieutenant H.J. Marlin), sixteen
n.c.o.s and thirty-two privates killed, six officers (Major E.W.
Wales and 2nd Lieutenants F.L. Gooseman, F.L. Flint, E.H.
Catton, C.C. Winckley, A.H. Bird), twenty-eight n.c.o.s and
seventy-three privates wounded, one n.c.o. and fourteen privates
missing— a total of seven officers and one hundred and sixty-four
other ranks.
230
THE 7th LINCOLNSHIRE [ APRIL , I9 i 7
IV
THE BATTLES OF ARRAS I917
The Second Battle of the Scarpe, lyd—z^th April
For a little over a week following the first battle preparations
continued for the next operation. The French had launched
their main offensive on the Aisne on the 1 6th and shortly after
that date the weather on the Arras front improved. Plans were
made to deliver the next attack on the 21st, but high winds and
indifferent visibility intervened and finally the operations were
fixed to take place on the 23rd of April. On that date, at 4.45
a.m. j we attacked on a front of about nine miles from Croisilles
to Gavrelle, while at the same hour subsidiary operations, took
place south-west of Lens.
In the Second Battle of the Scarpe 19 17 the 7th and 8th
Lincolnshire were actively engaged with the enemy, while the
10th Battalion was in reserve.
The 1 7th Division, in which the 7th Lincolnshire served, was
intended to act in support of the Cavalry Corps if the attack on
the 9th April, First Battle of the Scarpe, made a sufficient breach
in the German line for the cavalry to push through. As this
was not done, the 1 7th Division remained in reserve, until, on the
1 1 th April, it moved, up into support in the Feuchy line. Feuchy
is on the Arras-Douai railway, five thousand yards east of Arras.
From the 1 ith-i 8 th April, when bad weather prevented general
operations the 7th Lincolnshire held a trench system in support,
and in addition nightly dug a forming-up trench in front of
the line held near Lone Copse. This trench is interesting as the
one to which all troops retired after the fruitless assaults on
Bayonet Trench on the 2 3rd of April. It was held against heavy
shell-fire and counter-attack.
On the 23rd April the 17th Division attacked along the right
bank of the Scarpe, with the 29th Division on its right, and the
jth Division on the left of the river. The objectives of the 1 7th
Division were Bayonet and Rifle trenches. The role of the 7th
Lincolnshire was to gain the village of Pelves, after the leading
battalions had won their objectives. Zero was at 4.45 a.m. The
first assault on Bayonet Trench (which ran from some German
practice trenches north-west of Monchy to the Scarpe) having
failed, the 7th Lincolnshire was ordered to attack it at 7.45 a.m.
" By some mischance a message from Divisional Headquarters
countermanding the attack, as the artillery was just then not
able to help came too late, just as the Lincolnshire had begun to
move forward at 8 a.m. ' They reached the enemy's wire with
231
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
a rush, but there the attack was held. Under a cross-fire from
the trench in front, and the storm of machine-gun bullets from
the other side of the Scarpe, officers and men lay down trying to
work under or cut through the barrier of intact wire. The
attack failed, with losses amounting to nearly two hundred of all
ranks. On the same ground the StafFofds had already lost two
hundred and fourteen officers and men." (From the History of
the i yth Division — Atteridge.)
" The battalion, after determined attempts for one and a half
hours, retired to the forming-up trench referred to above,
and held this until relieved at night. The battalion had been in
the open for twenty days in frightful weather conditions — snow, '
rain and intense cold. In addition, biscuits and tinned beef
alone were sent up as rations." (An officer who took fart. The
only Company Commander to get through.)
The battalion entrained at Arras and reached Grand Rulle-
court on the 25th April.
Meanwhile, the 8th Lincolnshire of the 37th Division, north
of the Scarpe, had also been involved in heavy fighting.
The 37th Division was to attack due east in the direction of
Greenland Hill and the Plouvain-Gavrelle road (the Black Line),
the 112th Brigade on the right, 63rd Brigade in the centre and
1 1 ith Brigade on the left.
The 8th Lincolnshire's report of the attack is as follows :
"23-4-17. Battalion in attack. Middlesex right-front
battalion, York and Lancaster Regt. left-front battalion, Somerset
Light Infantry right support battalion, 8 th Lincolnshire left
support battalion. 1 Casualties two officers killed — 2nd Lieuten-
ants W.S. Dickinson, D.J.B. Busher. Other ranks, twenty
killed, wounded one hundred and two, missing fourteen."
The 63rd Brigade Headquarters Diary contains more informa-
tion, though the narrative deals necessarily with the front attack-
ing battalions in greater detail.
At zero hour (4.45 a.m.), the Middlesex and York and
Lancaster moved forward close behind the barrage, and the
former battalion reached a point about two hundred yards east of
the Roex-Gavrelle road, but the York and Lancaster were early
held up, which caused the 8 th Lincolnshire to move through
them. The latter then came tinder fire from a trench (Chili
Trench) on the left, held by about fifty or sixty Germans. The
left company was detached and working round from the
north, succeeded between 10 and 11 a.m., in outflanking this
"pocket" of the enemy, and the battalion occupied Chili
Trench and Candia Trench adjacent to it. By now both the
1 On the 16th of April Major D. Davies-Evans was appointed Commanding Officer
of the 8th Lincolnshire.
232
THE 8th LINCOLNSHIRE [april, t 9 r 7
York and Lancaster, and the 8 th Lincolnshire had advanced
and established a line between Chili Trench and the Roeux-
Gavrelle road. The 6th Bedfords then passed through and
reached a line two hundred yards east of the inn and the cross
roads. Although the enemy's shrapnel barrage was not very
heavy and the ground was swept by machine-gun fire, the 8 th
THIRD BATTLE OF THE SCARPE, I917
Lincolnshire and York and Lancaster continued their advance
by small parties, moving from shell-hole to shell-hole, until both
battalions reached a line fifty yards east of the road between the
inn and the cross roads. They then dug in. The time was
between 2 and 3 p.m.
When darkness fell on the 23rd, the 63rd Brigade was in line,
approximately from the inn southwards. Battalions in the
233
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
following order from north to south : ioth York and Lancaster,
8 th Lincolnshire, 8 th Somerset, 4th Middlesex. Later the York
and Lancaster were withdrawn to Chili and Candia Trenches.
The general result of the attack of the 37th Division was that
the Division had reached the buildings west of Roeux Station and
had gained the line of its objective on the slope of Greenland Hill,
but the hill itself remained in the hands of the enemy.
The 10th Lincolnshire were in reserve at the Point du Jour
throughout the 23rd and 24th April. They occupied the
Lusty-Lumpy-Locust Trenches, shelled almost continuously by
the large numbers of gas shells used by the enemy. One officer
(2nd Lieutenant Cowen) and several men were " gassed."
THE BATTLES OF ARRAS 19 17
The Battle of Arleux> i%th-ityh April ; and the Third Battle of
the Scarpe, yd-\th May
In order to assist the French, Sir Douglas Haig agreed to
continue his attack on the Arras front until the objectives of our
Allies had been attained. (Despatch of the 1 $th December, 1917?
para. 22.) The first of these operations took place on the
28 th of April, when British and Canadian troops attacked on
a front of about eight miles north of Monchy-le-Preux. Im-
mediately north of the Scarpe the 34th Division had been ordered
to attack Roeux, while the 37th Division (on the left of the 34th)
was to assault the German positions along the PIouvain-Gavrelle
road and Greenland Hill. The 10th Lincolnshire of the
former division and 8 th Lincolnshire of the latter were both in
the front line of the attack.
The 10th Battalion, late on the night of the 24th of April,
moved to a railway cutting in support of the 1 6th Royal Scots
and nth Suffolk, who were holding a line facing the Chemical
Works and acquitted themselves gallantly, though they lost
very heavily.
Between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. on the 28th, the attacking troops
were ready assembled in. their trenches, the Royal Scots on the
right, whose objective was Roeux and a line east of it, the Lincoln-
shire in the centre, with the cemetery and a portion of Clip and
Corona Trenches as their objective, and the Suffolk, who were
to attack and capture the Chemical Works and railway before
passing on to. their final line.
234
THE ioth LINCOLNSHIRE
[APRIL, 1 91 7
The assembly trenches of the Lincolnshire did not face the
direction of advance, but at 4.15 a.m., they left their trenches
and formed up in the open. The morning was dark, but the
enemy probably heard the troops assembling, for he immediately
opened fire with trench-mortars, field-guns and machine-guns.
At zero hour (4.25 a.m.) companies advanced, but soon came
under intense fire and casualties were heavy. The chateau, a
house along the road to the Chemical Works, Clip Trench and
the houses round the cemetery were full of Germans, who poured
a destructive fire into the attacking troops, enfilading them as they
advanced. For some time the situation was obscure and it was
ARLEUX
not until later that, at 5.15 a.m., the position of the attack was
known to be as follows : about twenty yards from Clip Trench,
Captain Newton established himself with a dozen men under
fire from a machine-gun firing from a house at the junction of
Corona Trench and the Chemical Works road : on the right of
Captain Newton were a number of men in shell-holes : next
came another small party of men with a Lewis gun under Lance-
Corporal Riggall : on the right of the latter were more men in
shell-holes, and finally Captain Worthington and about twenty
men were in a half-dug trench (which they endeavoured to con-
solidate) in front of the railway.
At 5.30 a.m., the enemy in force left his trenches and
235
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
surrounded the second party mentioned above. Some of these
endeavoured to get back, but were mostly shot down, the re-
mainder being taken prisoner.
Gradually men collected in Corona Trench, and at the junction
of that trench with Ceylon Trench, and with a Stokes gun con-
siderable execution was done on the enemy holding the houses
north of the cemetery. But several guns were put out of action
and the gunners killed, and being unsupported on the left,
Captain Newton withdrew his men to Ceylon Trench, where
about forty more were collected. Touch was obtained with the
Suffolk on the left. The Lincolnshire then manned Ceylon
from Corona, inclusive, to the south-west. There were no other
troops in Ceylon and touch had not been obtained with the 20th
Northumberland Fusiliers, who were moving into Clip. The
time was now between 7 and 8 a.m.
A report then came that Captain Worthington reduced to
about ten men, had had to withdraw to Care Trench. East of
Mount Pleasant Wood also men began to dribble back.
The enemy's infantry next appeared from dead ground near
Roeux : the Germans advanced in six waves covered by heavy
machine-gun fire from the chateau and artillery-fire on Mount
Pleasant Wood, which was apparently the objective of the attack.
Captain Worthington was killed by a shell and only a few of his
men were able to get away. Those of the Lincolnshire who were
in Ceylon Trench fought well and held their trench throughout
the attack. Lance-Corporal Riggall kept his Lewis gun in
action until the enemy were almost upon him, then, carrying his
gun, he managed to withdraw, but the other two or three men
remaining with him became casualties.
As the German counter-attack developed, it was met by Lewis
gun and rifle-fire from the 20th Northumberland Fusiliers in
Clip and the Lincolnshire in Ceylon. This fire broke up the
flank of the attack, but two hundred or more of the enemy entered
Care, Mount Pleasant Wood, Colne (a partially-dug trench not
connected with Ceylon), and about thirty pushed as far as Ceylon,
near Colne.
By means of converging bombing attacks, the Northumber-
land Fusiliers and Lincolnshire succeeded in driving the enemy
back and Lewis gun and rifle-fire forced him to retreat. About
a dozen Germans were captured in and around the wood.
This closed the action which, but for the staunch defence put
up by the Lincolnshire, might have had very serious results.
The losses sustained by the battalion were exceptionally heavy.
The commanders of B, C and D companies (Captain F.Worthing-
tion, 2nd Lieutenant J. Irvine Taylor and Lieutenant H.P.
Hendin respectively) had all been killed : also Lieutenant E.D.
236
THE 8th LINCOLNSHIRE [april, x 9 r 7
Dickson, 2nd Lieutenants J.E. Lavender, F.H. Lucking and H.
Elsom. Three officers (Lieutenant W.J. Abbott and 2nd
Lieutenants W.E. Robinson and D.A. Gough) were among the
wounded, and 2nd Lieutenants E. de L. Roeback, J.S. Hill and
H.J. Lodge were missing. In other ranks the killed, wounded
and missing were estimated at four hundred and twenty, though
many of them were known to have been evacuated wounded.
The remainder of the 28th and 29th passed quietly except for
bursts of shell-fire and on the 30th the battalion was relieved and
marched back to St. Nicholas.
The 37th Division, on the left of the 34th, tried to carry
Greenland Hill and, but for the loss of direction in the centre,
might have done so. All three brigades attacked in line, i.e.,
1 1 2th on the right, 63rd in the centre, and 111th on the left
Of the 63 rd Brigade, the 8 th Somerset were to attack on the
right and 8 th Lincolnshire on the left. The assembly trench
for both battalions was Cobra Trench, and the first objective
the German trench Cuthbert immediately east. Zero hour was
4.25 a.m.
The battalion diary of the 8th Lincolnshire contains no nar-
rative of the operations : " Battalion in attack. Left of brigade
front," and then the casualties.
The advance began punctually at zero hour, but owing to the
darkness and smoke from the barrage, which completely en-
veloped the troops, direction was lost. Instead of attacking
Cuthbert Trench, the troops must have turned north and north-
east, for the trenches they attacked were Whip and Wish. Then
happened a rather extraordinary thing : several of the attackers
passed over and far beyond the two latter trenches, even beyond
Why and Weak, nearly to Railway Copse. During this advance
prisoners were taken and three or four batches were sent back,
but were recaptured by the enemy probably about Weed
Trench.
Gradually those who had advanced west of Cuthbert Trench
returned as they were unsupported, and by nightfall the brigade
was back again in its original line.
Four officers missing and one wounded, twenty-two other
ranks killed, one hundred and sixty-four wounded and one
hundred and five missing were the casualties suffered by the
8th Lincolnshire in this attack. On the 29th, when they were
withdrawn from the line and reached Beaufort on the 30th, they
must have been but a mere skeleton of a battalion, for they lost
four hundred and twenty-seven other ranks alone in two battles.
The 1st Lincolnshire, during the Battle of Arleux, remained at
the embankment west of Boileux St. Marc until about 7 p.m.,
on the 29th April, when they relieved the 6th Leicesters in the
237
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
front line from the Hindenburg support line, west of (and about
twelve hundred yards from) Fontaine les Croisilles to the cross
roads, about one thousand yards north of that village.
The enemy's artillery was very active on the 30th, and though
his shells mostly passed over the Lincolnshire, a sunken road on
the right of the battalion front received several direct hits. Five
men were killed, and 2nd Lieutenant W.E. Bartram 1 and three
men wounded.
On the 2nd May operation orders were issued for an attack
by the First and Third Armies to take place on the following day.
The attack of the 21st Division 2 was carried out by the 64th
and 1 10th Brigades, the 62nd Brigade supporting the former.
On the 4th the 62nd Brigade relieved the 1 10th Brigade in all
the defences north-east of the Hindenburg Line, the Lincolnshire
moving into brigade reserve about one thousand yards south-east
of Heninel.
On the 1 ith/iath of May the 7th Lincolnshire (1 7th Division)
were in brigade reserve in the railway cutting south-west of Le
Point du Jour, when they were placed under the orders of the
Commander of the 50th Brigade. On the night of the 13th/
14th they moved to the line north of Roeux in support of bat-
talions of the 50th and 51st Brigades and two companies relieved
the 1 2th Manchester on the right of the left sector, i.e., in Cuba
and Conrad Trenches, with one company in support and one in
reserve.
When the Germans counter-attacked early on the morning of
the 1 6th and retook the Chemical Works and Station buildings,
the 7th Lincolnshire supported the counter-attacks of the 51st
Division 3 and 5 1 st Brigade (which retook all ground lost but a small
portion of Curly Trench) .with Lewis gun and rifle-fire. The
enemy's losses in this attack were very heavy and it was estimated
that at least two thousand German dead lay in front of our
positions.
VI
THE ATTACKS TOWARDS LENS : 3RD JUNE-26TH AUGUST, I917
Although these operations were of a minor character they
cannot on that account be dismissed as unimportant in the
History of the Lincolnshire Regiment, for both the i /4th and
*He died the following day after an operation at the Corps Dressing Station.
' The aist Division belonged to the Third Army.
3 The 51st (Highland) Division relieved the 4th Division on tie night of the 17th May.
238
THE 4 th & 5th BATTNS. [apr.-may, i 9 i 7
i /5th Battalions were engaged with the enemy, and were involved
in stiff fighting.
It was not until the third week in April that the 1 /4th and
1 /5th returned to the forward area after a fairly long period of
training out of the line. The 1 /5th went into the front line east
of Cite St. Pierre, north-west of Lens, on the 19th of April ;
they occupied the old German front and support line trenches.
The method of holding the line in this sector was entirely new
to these Lincolnshire battalions : trenches served only as a means
of approach to advanced posts, which consisted mostly of houses
recently vacated by the enemy. There was little protection in
the way of wire or other obstacles, so that super-alertness was
imperative. Except the garrisons in the advanced posts, the
greater part of the battalion was kept in cellars behind the front
line. Apart from the usual patrol work and intermittent shell-
fire the tour was uneventful, and on the 23rd the 1 /4th took over
the line.
During May trench warfare was of a strenuous nature. We
raided the enemy, the enemy raided us. Patrol encounters in
No Man's Land were numerous. The guns of both sides were
seldom silent by day or night. Bombing, sniping, trench-
mortaring and machine-gunning were constant. The diaries
have frequent items such as " Enemy shelling and trench-
mortaring incessant," or " Enemy put down heavy barrage."
To all of which the British guns replied with interest ! On the
1st the 1 /4th took over part of the front line between Fosse 1 1
de Lens and Hart's Crater. The next morning German
" Sturmtruppen " raided a bombing post in Netley Street, and
the battalion had sixteen casualties. Whilst visiting his ad-
vanced post in Nero Trench, 2nd Lieutenant J, Rickey was
killed by a sniper. On thq following morning the enemy again
raided the battalion : at night the 1 /5th took over the line.
The 1 /5th 1 , who relieved the 1 /4th on the 2nd of May, were
raided on the 4th at about 3.15 a.m. About thirty Germans
tried to rush a bombing post in Nero Trench, having previously
bombarded the post with rifle-grenades and trench-mortar bombs.
The post was in charge of an n.c.o. The n.c.o. was killed
in the bombardment and another man seriously wounded. One
of the remaining men — Private A.F. Foster — then took charge.
Ordering the survivors of the garrison to retire, carrying the dead
n.c.o. and wounded man with them, Foster covered the retire-
ment and held the enemy by vigorous bombing. Having thus
disorganised the enemy's rush and having obtained support from
1 On the 2nd of May Lieut.-Colonel T.E. Sandall relinquished command of the
i/$th Lincolnshire. He had commanded the battalion since 191?. Major H.G. Wilson
assumed temporary command.
239
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
Lewis guns, the raid was repulsed with considerable loss to the
enemy. Private Foster was awarded the D.C.M.
On the 6th, at 3.30 a.m., A Company raided an enemy post in
Netley Trench and inflicted casualties. On the 8th Major H.A.
Waring, 1st Royal West Kent Regiment, took over command
of the 1 / j"th Lincolnshire.
/,Lievtn
2 Miles
j
Scale
ATTACKS TOWARDS LENS, 1917
The fighting spirit of the battalion is well illustrated by a small
incident which took place on the night of the 1 7th of May. Two
men were sent out as a connecting patrol to visit the advanced
posts. They were attacked with bombs by a patrol of six
Germans. Both men were wounded, but one — Private G.P.
Rawson — fired at once into the enemy, killing two : he then
charged the remainder with his bayonet, forcing them to beat a
hasty retreat. He was awarded the M.M.
There is, in the Diary of the 1 /4th Lincolnshire, the following
entry for the 28th of May : On May 28th the 138th Brigade
(Lincolnshire and Leicestershire) was withdrawn from the line,
240
THE 4 th LINCOLNSHIRE [JUNE , . 9 i 7
the 4th Battalion, Lincolnshire, taking up billets at Bouvigny
Boyelles. Here it was that stirring news reached them. The
battalion was honoured by the command to take part in an
extensive enterprise on a two thousand yards front north-west,
west and south-west of Lens.
The next day (29th May) training began in earnest over a
replica of the ground over which the attack was to be launched.
On the 6th of June the Commanding Officer announced on
parade that the plans had been altered and instead of the pro-
posed operations, the attack was to be a series of destructive
raids : zero hour was 8.30 p.m. on the 8th of June. That
evening the 1 /4th Lincolnshire (Lieut.-Colonel G.A. Yool, com-
manding) marched out of Bouvigny and billeted in the ruins of
Cite des Boreaux Levin.
The story of the attack which took place is thus recorded in the
Battalion Diary :
" The 8th of June arrived— a perfect summer day. The
afternoon was spent in moving up to cellars in Cite de Riaumont,
adjoining the assembly trenches. All companies reached these
without mishap except D Company, which lost the services
of 2nd Lieutenant E.A. Dennis (13 Platoon) wounded by one
of the enemy's shells, which were already finding our stationary
zone. Time crept on towards zero. ' Sausages ' enlived the
waiting period, as they crashed on and around the ruins which
sheltered us. Well before 8 p.m., C, D and B Companies were
in position in their respective assembly trenches. In some way the
enemy seems to have known our timed movements and intentions.
The intensity of the barrage to which the assembled troops were
subjected was an experience no one on the spot is likely to forget
" D Company fared worst, as, while the bombardment of their
sector was accurate to a degree, on the flank sectors it was suffi-
ciently ' plus ' to miss the assembled platoons.
" At zero — 3, Captain R.D. Ellis, commanding D Company,
and Captain Wakeley, commanding 4th Leicesters ' mopping-
up ' company, were caught by the same shell as they came into
position in the rear trench. Both were killed outright.
" At 8.30 p.m. the synchronised signal to advance was given.
C Company on the right, got away without mishap, two platoons
south of Cutting and one under 2nd Lieutenant A.B. Hardy,
who was wounded almost immediately, to bring covering fire
from Cutting. D Company, in the centre, as soon as they
' jumped off ' by serried ranks and increased intervals to lessen
gaps, showed the effects of their experience in the assembly
trenches. B Company, on the left, were a joy to behold as they
went over in line. The Cutting was reached.
" D Company, by this time reduced by half its numbers, and
r 241
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
B Company, already caught by the enemy's guns, scaled the
further slopes of the Cutting together and advanced to their
objectives. Captain E.J.S. Maples, commanding B Company,
was at this juncture struck in the forearm by an ugly piece of
shell case, but continued the advance with his men. Owing to
a portion of their line being oblique to the 'A' barrage and the
Stokes mortars, which were to deal with this sector, being put
out of action, the enemy tried to man his trenches from his dug-
outs. C Company, with the platoon of the 5th Leicesters on
their right, were completely held up. "When the first wave of
D and B Companies reached the front German trench his barrage
was already on it, and a temporary check occurred until the
reinforcing waves came up. Owing to this check, we were
unable to keep up with our barrage and the enemy lined his
second trench before our arrival there. Hand-to-hand fighting
ensued and after a further advance by D Company to the south
and B Company to the east, the odds became overwhelming. We
fell back first to Ahead, and then to the Cutting.
" Meantime Sergeant E. Quinton with his platoon got further
afield than the rest. It was during this stage of the fight that
B Company lost 2nd Lieutenant R.T. Thomson and 2nd Lieu-
tenant H.C. Chase, both of them died gloriously, the former as
the result of a second wound and the latter from a shell-burst.
Sergeant E. Quinton, B Company, and his platoon, after several
attempts to rejoin their comrades, in which they repeatedly
bumped up against strong parties of the enemy, finally succeeded
in rushing an opposition post and fighting their way back to our
line after having been in the German lines for four hours — a
triumph of leadership on the part of Sergeant E. Quinton. The
demolished bridge on the right flank was at once manned and,
under 2nd Lieutenant W.F. Maskell (D Company, 14 Platoon),
kept the enemy at respectful distance, telling work being done
by the Lewis guns. The front of the Cutting was lined by the
remnant of B and D Companies under Captain E.J.S. Maples,
and was held until orders for withdrawal to assembly trenches
were received, A Company having manned our original line of
posts. It was not till then that Captain E.J.S. Maples withdrew
from the fight and had his arm properly dressed, some three
hours after he was wounded.
" The greatest assistance had been rendered throughout by
the 138th Machine-Gun Company under Major A. A. Ellwood,
a 4th Lincolnshire officer, and particularly by a detachment of
two of his guns under Lieutenant Stentiford, manned by the 4th
Lincolnshire. The attack on the right had gone well, A Com-
pany, 4th Leicesters, having reached their objective easily, and
sent back twenty-seven prisoners."
242
THE 5th LINCOLNSHIRE [ JUNE , m7
There are no records of casualties, other than those mentioned,
either in the Battalion or Brigade Diaries. Throughout the 9 th
companies reorganized, and at night the 1 /4th were relieved by
the 1 /5th Lincolnshire, the former moving back to Lievin, in
support.
Although the- 1 /5th Lincolnshire, as a battalion, did not
actually attack the enemy, numerous tasks were allotted to them,
some of which were carried out, others cancelled owing to the
situation : one company wired about three hundred yards in
front of Brick Trench : a Lewis gun section during the night
7th /8 th June took over a post in Absolom Trench, moving for-
ward and subsequently retiring with the attackers : a party of A
Company carried ladders under orders of the Royal Engineers.
One platoon of A Company had an exciting adventure : this
platoon had been ordered to carry bombs for the 1 /4th in a
further raid, which was, however, cancelled later. The platoon
did not receive word that the attack was not taking place and, in
accordance with their previous orders, moved forward over No
Man's Land, came into contact with the enemy, who was superior
in number, had a stiff fight and suffered one casualty.
On the 9th at 3 a.m., the battalion returned to billets about
Red Mill, but their rest was short, for that night they relieved the
1 /4th Lincolnshire and 1 /5th Leicesters in the Cite de Riaumont
sector. On the 1 2th, D Company raided the enemy. A party
of eighty-six other ranks, under Captain Collins (commanding
company) and 2nd Lieutenant Brown, " went over " at 7 a.m.
and entered the enemy's trenches. The latter were, however,
practically empty and after killing or wounding several Germans
and obtaining information of the enemy's defences, the raiders
returned. One man was killed in the raid and two officers and
sixteen other ranks were wounded.
On the 15th the 1 /5th were informed they were to attack the
enemy " as a prelude to a larger operation." The first operation
was a daylight attack in which four companies took part. It
was to be carried out at 2.30 p.m. on the 19th.
During the evening of the 1 8 th the battalion moved up to the
front line, relieving the 1 /5th Leicesters at Cite de Riaumont.
After the relief companies carried up bombs, rockets, wire,
rations and water, and obtained very little rest that night. The
next morning they were equipped for the attack andmovedto
their assembly positions. A Company (two officers, eighty-nine
other ranks) and B Company (two officers, seventy-five other
ranks) were to assault the enemy's trenches : C Company (one
officer, eighty other ranks) was detailed to wire the position when
captured, and D Company (two officers, eighty other ranks) for
carrying duties.
243
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
At 2.30 p.m. the barrage fell and the two assaulting companies
advanced to the attack, in two waves. Six minutes later the
enemy's barrage fell, but did not interfere with the advance.
Without difficulty, the right company got into the left trench,
where a stiff fight ensued, many Germans being killed and some
thirty prisoners taken : others were driven towards the Cana-
dians, who were attacking on the right. The left company was
met by violent machine-gun and rifle-fire, and bombs were also
flung at the attackers. A temporary check took place, but soon
the advance was resumed and with rifle-fire and rifle-grenades the
Germans were driven out of the trenches, this company gaining
its objective.
ATTACKS TOWARDS LENS
The battalion had now won its objective and consolidation
was at once put in hand while the position was organized to resist
the inevitable counter-attack when it came.
_ Both Lieutenants M. Robinson and C.R. Madden, of the
right company, led their men with great courage and resource
and were subsequently awarded the M.C. Lieutenant J.S.
Nichols, commanding the left company, was dangerously wounded
when the first check came, but Company-Sergeant-Major H.
Brown took command, led the men forward in gallant style, and
organized the consolidation of the objective : the M.C. was also
awarded him for his splendid conduct in this attack.
Many n.c.o.s and men were mentioned for their conspicuous
bravery and devotion to duty, i.e., Sergeants A.A. Man and T.W.
244
ATTACK ON LENS [,uly ist, t 9 x 7
Huddleston, Lance-Corporals W. Withers, W.V. Hewitt and G.
Harbron, and Private F. Ashton. Four runners, Privates
J.W.H. Bull, W. Johnson, H. Catchpole and N. Cox, were also
commended ; they.showed great courage in carrying messages
between Battalion Headquarters and the front line. These men
had to pass through a heavy barrage. Privates W.R. Sylvester
and G.H. Green did splendid work in attending to the wounded.
The carrying and wiring companies — D and C — did their work
well.
Three counter-attacks were launched by the enemy, the first
•at 4.45 p.m., the second at 7 p.m. and the last at 10 p.m. All
were broken up by artillery, Lewis gun and rifle-fire and the
attackers lost heavily.
Casualties in this attack were : twelve other ranks killed, two
officers and fifty-five other ranks wounded, four other ranks died
of wounds and one missing. A and B Companies were relieved
during the night of the 20th and C and D on the 21st : the
battalion on relief moved back to Petit Sains.
During the remainder of June neither the 1 /4th nor the 1 /5th
again attacked the enemy, but both battalions lent assistance to
the 1 /5th Leicesters and 1 /5th South Staffords who assaulted the
German trenches on the 28 th. Of the 1 /4th, A Company was
detailed to carry bombs, etc., for the Leicesters, while B, C and
D Companies jointly supplied five parties of one officer and thirty
men each for wiring. Of the 1 /5th, B Company carried wire
from Quarry Dump to the foot of the Slag Heap. 1
The several attacks made during June were all preliminary to
the larger operations which had been planned for the ist of July.
In this attack all three brigades of the 46th Division were to take
part, the Canadians attacking on the right.
The 138th Brigade was to be on the right, the two assaulting
battalions being the 1 /4th and 1 /5th Lincolnshire, right and left
respectively.
The attack took place at 2.47 a.m. on the ist of July. The
1 /4th Lincolnshire, on the extreme right of the Divisional front,
with their right resting on the Souchez River, had to advance in
a north-easterly direction. A and C Companies were in the
front line, supported by B and D Companies.
Creeping close up under our barrage, which remained station-
ary for seven minutes, the two companies reached their objectives
1 " Early in May local attacks had been undertaken by Canadian troops in the neigh-
bourhood of the Souchez River, which formed the prelude to a long-sustained series of
minor operations directed against the defence of Lens. Substantial progress was made
in this area on the 5th and 19th of June, and five days later North Midland troops (46th
Division) captured an important position on the slopes of a small hill south-west of Lens,
forcing the enemy to make a considerable withdrawal on both sides of the river."
{Despatch of the z$th December, i^if,fara. 36.)
H5
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
with few casualties and little opposition. But on their left the
i /5th were not as fortunate. Their objective was the Cite de
Moulin, of which most of the houses were fortified machine-gun
posts protected by wire. The right company of the 1 /5th, owing
to the darkness, veered off to the right, obtaining touch with the
1 /4th Battalion, but losing it with the left company.
The right company of the 1 /5th had much more difficult
country to negotiate, and having become involved in heavy
fighting among the houses of the Cite, they were unable to get
forward before the barrage left them behind. They fought most
gallantly, but were gradually compelled to fall back. This un-
covered the left of the 1 /4th Battalion, and the latter were now
hard put to it to maintain their position. Dawn broke and in a
little while daylight revealed the position of the Lincolnshire to
the enemy, who very soon turned his artillery on to the outpost
and piquet lines formed by the battalion. Gradually their
defences were destroyed and the men were forced to withdraw,
taking shelter in numerous shell-holes in rear. At 10 a.m.
Captain Elliott crawled forward and established his advanced
posts in their original positions. There they stayed through a
bombardment which lasted, with only a few short intervals, for
forty-eight hours. Hundreds of tons of explosives were hurled
by the enemy at the devoted troops, clinging with great courage
and tenacity to their precarious positions. The I /5th, their
flanks open, had been unable to capture their objective.
Another attack, ordered for the night of the ist/2nd of July,
was cancelled. On the 2nd, Canadians took over the line from
the 138th Brigade and the i/4th moved back to Houvelin and
the 1 /5th to Bailleul les Cornailles.
The 1 /4th do not record their casualties, though the names of
two officers, wounded on the 2nd, i.e., 2nd Lieutenants Summer-
dell and Baker, are given. The 1 /5th lost thirteen other ranks
killed, three died of wounds, two officers (Captains Hett and
Goodall), and eighteen other ranks wounded, and seventeen other
ranks missing. The 46th Division was now temporarily with-
drawn from the line for a period of rest and training.
On the 22nd of July the 138th Brigade returned to the front
line, taking over the Hulluch sector from the Hulluch cross-roads
(north) to just west of the Bois Hugo. The 1 /5th Battalion
went first into the line from Popen Alley to Essex Lane, but when
they were relieved on the 28 th there was little to report of an
uneventful tour.
246
PART SEVEN
THE FLANDERS OFFENSIVE AND THE BATTLE
OF CAMBRAI
1917
THIS IS A BLANK PAGE
THE 6th LINCOLNSHIRE [mar.-june, i 9 i 7
I
THE FLANDERS OFFENSIVE ! THE BATTLE OF MESSINES, 1917,
7TH-I4.TH JUNE 1
THE maintenance of pressure on the Arras front, which
kept the enemy constantly on the alert, enabled final pre-
parations to be made for the opening of the Flanders
offensive, which was to begin with the Battle of Messines.
The actual front selected for this operation extended from a
point opposite St. Yves to Mount Sorrel, both inclusive : in
length, between nine and ten miles.
The objective of the attack was a group of hills known as
the Messines-Wytschaete Ridge, which lies about midway
between Armentieres and Ypres. Messines itself is situated on
the southern spur of the ridge which commands a wide view of
the valley of the Lys and enfiladed the British lines to the south.
North-west of Messines, Wytschaete, situated at the point of the
salient and on the highest part of the ridge, from its height of
about two hundred and sixty feet, commands almost more com-
pletely the town of Ypres and the whole of the old British posi-
tions in the Ypres Salient.
A special feature in the operations due to take place on the
7th of June was one original in warfare — the explosion of nineteen
deep mines at the moment of assault. No such mining feat had
ever before been attempted. In the construction of these mines,
eight thousand yards of gallery had been driven and over one
million pounds of explosives used.
Nine divisions were to take part in the actual assault, and three
were in support among which was the i ith Division. The latter
lay opposite Wytschaete and in rear of the 16th Division : it was
about the centre of the attack.
The 6th Lincolnshire of the 33rd Brigade (nth Division)
were last mentioned as being out of the line during February
and March. On the 28 th of the latter month the battalion
moved to Orville, and it was not until the 12th of April that a
move was made back to the front line, the Lincolnshire marching
across the old Somme battlefields to Haplincourt, a ruined village
eight miles east of Bapaume. The nth Division was^now
attached to the 1st Anzac Corps. The battalion took over " Z "
front line at Louveral, the defences consisting of a line of posts
in front of the village. There was, however, no great activity
in the line and in less than a month the 1 ith Division had been
withdrawn and was sent up north to join the Second Army.
1 Despatch of the 25th December, 191 7, paras. 28, et seq.
H9
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
The 6th Lincolnshire entrained at Albert on the 17th of May,
and after a quick train journey detrained at Caestre and marched
to Thieuschouk, where they billeted. On the 2,2nd the Division
was informed that it was to take part in the coming operations,
and two days later the battalion marched to a training area, about
six miles in rear of the Wytschaete sector, 1 where several days
were spent in practising the attack.
The nth Division (H.R. Davies) received orders to pass
through the 16th Division when the latter had captured its
objective. The role of the 33rd Brigade was to pass through
and capture a trench system three miles east of Wytschaete, when
the latter had been taken.
At midday on the 6th of June orders were received to attack
the following morning. Preparations were quickly made, and
at 11 p.m. the Lincolnshire marched to Butterfly Farm, two
miles from the front line, there to await final orders.
As dawn was breaking on the 7th, every hill which could pro-
vide a standing place for staff officers and others had its group
of spectators.
There was a sudden rumbling of the earth, huge flames shot
up, clouds of smoke, dust and debris, a rocking of the ground —
as the nineteen mines " went up." Before one was able to regain
one's normal faculties, there was another deafening crash as the
barrage roared out from a thousand guns. The 6th Lincolnshire
had taken up a position among the " Heavies " and were almost
stunned by the ear-splitting din of the monsters as they roared
and poured a hail of big shells upon the wretched Germans.
In suspense the 6th Lincolnshire waited for the first results
of the attack. The barrage still continued, but at about 9 a.m.,
word was received that the 16th Division had taken their first
two objectives and were pushing on to the third. At about 1 1
a.m., orders were received to advance to the Vierstraate Switch,
a trench running parallel with and about a thousand yards behind
the British line. At about midday the battalion reached its
destination and the men had dinner, while the Commanding
Officer, Lieut-Colonel Gater, went to Brigade Headquarters
for further orders. Just after 1 p.m., he returned with the
information that at 3 p.m., another barrage would fall under
cover of which the battalion was to attack the third objective.
But the forming-up place was two miles away on the further
slope of the Wytschaete Ridge and the intervening ground was
badly cut up by shell-holes broken trenches, communication
trenches full of troops, some going up, others coming down, and
1 The Battalion Diary of the 6th Lincolnshire is written in pencil and in the course of
time has become practically illegible. This account is, therefore, taken from Captain
R.H. Clay's narrative.
250
THE 6th LINCOLNSHIRE [ JUNE 7 th, i 9 i 7
wounded men. The battalion, being scattered over a thousand
yards of trench, had to be got together, and fearing to be late,
Battalion Headquarters and D Company started off and arrived
at the forming-up line as the barrage opened. The other com-
panies had not yet come up, so, fearing he would lose the barrage,
the Commanding Officer decided to push on with D Company.
16™/
iixh divn/
divn.
ft
I Wytschaete j
Kemmel •
Messines- ,
Scale
Line morning 7*/ 1 June— -.
» j> Sty June*- m.
BATTLE OF MESSINES, 1917
The latter then shook out into artillery formation and advanced.
Australian troops were on the right and portions of the 6th
Border Regiment on the left, with the 7th South Staffords and
9th Sherwood Foresters in support and reserve respectively.
The enemy's artillery opened fire as soon as our barrage fell,
but his barrage was weak and ill-directed and many of his guns
were effectively smothered by our fire.
251
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
D Company of the Lincolnshire, after passing through the
first line of posts held by the 1 6th Division, extended into line in
two waves. Very little opposition was encountered : the enemy
either ran or surrendered until the objective was nearly reached.
Here the Germans attempted a counter-attack, but, with the
assistance of tanks, it was broken up, and by 5 p.m., the objective
had been gained. Casualties during the attack had been extra-
ordinarily light, D Company losing only two or three men. The
heaviest losses were in Battalion Headquarters, 2nd Lieutenant
F.C. Thorn and Regimental-Sergeant-Major Smith and twenty
other ranks being wounded.
The senior Company Commander, Captain Howis, brought
up the remaining three companies with very few casualties. The
appearance of these companies, comparatively fresh, and intact,
was of enormous value in consolidating the position. As dusk
was falling the German guns began to shell the position heavily.
Captain Sutherland was wounded in the face and a platoon of
C Company (with the exception of 2nd Lieutenant Read, who was
badly wounded), holding a strong point, was wiped out entirely.
Early next morning (8th) another counter-attack developed
which at one time looked serious until A Company, with Lewis
gun and rifle-fire succeeded in breaking it up. Second Lieu-
tenant Rowlands was wounded and A Company had altogether
about a dozen casualties. One nx.o. — Sergeant Biggadike —
was conspicuous for his bravery ; he died very gallantly, success-
fully maintaining his post, which the enemy attempted to rush.
The Commanding Officer (Lieut.-Colonel G.H. Gater) was
wounded in the face when leading D Company to the attack, but
with great self-sacrifice, remained at duty until his battalion went
out of the line.
There was another counter-attack on the evening of the 9 th,
accompanied by heavy shell-fire, during which the Battalion
Medical Officer, Captain Frere, Royal Army Medical Corps, to
everyone's regret, was killed, and many other casualties were
suffered.
On the night of the ioth/uth of June, the 6th Lincolnshire
were relieved and moved back to camp near Kemmel. The total
casualties of the battalion during the Battle of Messines 1 9 1 7
were six officers and one hundred and sixty other ranks.
The battalion remained in camp until the 18 th of June,
engaged in salvage work, and then began to march in easy stages
back to Ganspette.
252
PILCKEM RIDGE [JULY 3IST , i 9 i 7
II
THE FLANDERS OFFENSIVE :
THE BATTLES OF YPRES 1917 : 3 1 ST JULY-IOTH NOVEMBER
The Battle of Messines won for us the whole of the Messines-
Wytschaete Ridge, and preparations were begun for the next
stage of the Flanders offensive. The French were to attack
north of the Ypres-Staden railway, but the main blow was to be
delivered by the Fifth Army (Gough) on a front of about seven
and a half miles from the Zillebeke-Zandvoorde foad to Boe-
singhe inclusive, in a series of attacks against the German positions
east of Ypres. The Second Army (Plumer) was to cover the
right of the Fifth, increase the area threatened by the attack, and
thus oblige the enemy to disperse the fire of his artillery.
This offensive continued for three and a half months under
the most adverse conditions of weather, and entailed almost
superhuman exertions on the part of the troops engaged. The
enemy did his utmost to hold his ground, and used up not less
than seventy-eight divisions, of which eighteen were engaged a
second or third time. Our captures in Flanders from the end
of July amounted to twenty-four thousand and sixty-five prison-
ers, seventy-four guns, nine hundred and forty-one machine-guns,
and one hundred and thirty-eight trench-mortars. Our new and
hastily-trained armies beat the enemy's best troops in conditions
much in his favour. {Despatch of the 2$th December, 19 17,
para. 40.) Lastly, the fighting in Flanders (see Ludendorfs
Memoirs) had a disastrous effect on the moral of the German Army.
The accounts, necessarily brief, of the eight separate actions,
commencing with the Battle of Pilckem, and ending with the
Second Battle of Paschendaele, cannot do justice to the indo-
mitable courage and endurance of the troops which achieved
these results. The casualties in killed, wounded and missing,
of the eight battalions of the Lincolnshire Regiment, which took
part in one or more of the battles about to be described, totalled
over two thousand of all ranks.
(i) The Battle of Pilckem Ridge : 31st July-2nd August
It was hoped that in this first attack our troops would succeed
in establishing themselves on the crest of the high ground east
of Ypres, and would also secure the crossings of the Steenbeek.
For this purpose four Army Corps were placed at the disposal of
General Sir Hubert Gough, the II., XIV., XVIIL, and XIX.
Corps. The II. Corps (Jacob) attacked on the right of the Fifth
*S3
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
Army, south of the Ypres-Roulers railway, with three divisions,
in order from right to left, as follows : 24th, 30th and 8th
(Heneker), in which the 2nd Lincolnshire were serving, in the
25th Brigade. The first stage of the attack was carried out,
as far as the 8 th Division is concerned, by the 23 rd and 24th
Brigades, with the 25th Brigade in support.
The difficult country east of Ypres, where the Menin road
crosses the crest of the Passchendaele-Wytschaete Ridge, formed
the key of the enemy's position, and most determined opposition
was met by the 24th, 30th and 8 th Divisions, which fought their
way through Shrewsbury Forest and Sanctuary Wood, and cap-
tured Stirling Castle, Hooge and Bellewaarde Ridge. The
second objective of the 8th Division was to be taken by the 25th
Brigade, 2nd Lincolnshire on the right, Royal Irish Rifles in the
centre, 2nd Rifle Brigade on the left, with the 2nd Berkshire in
support.
The Westhoek Ridge was reported in our hands, but on making
a preliminary reconnaissance, the Commander of the 25th
Brigade found that the situation on the Ridge was not what had
been anticipated. Heavy machine-gun fire was coming from
Glen corse Wood and hostile machine-guns and snipers were firing
from the neighbourhood of Kit and Kat and from the Westhoek
cross-roads, while a large number of houses on the Westhoek
road were evidently held by the enemy.
The 2nd Lincolnshire (Lieut-Colonel R. Bastard) formed up
at 6.50 a.m. on the 31st July and advanced in artillery formation
under Captain G.Mc.I. Bruce ; the Commanding Officer and
Adjutant having already started for Westhoek to meet the
Brigadier and other Commanding Officers to reconnoitre the
Ridge. The reconnoitring parties found the front line to be
Jabber Trench, the left of which was very exposed to machine-
gun fire from the immediate front.
By 9 a.m., the 2nd Lincolnshire had arrived at the position of
deployment. All companies, however, reported casualties from
machine-gun fire, whilst passing through Chateau Wood and
from shell-fire between the Wood and Westhoek. The carry-
ing platoons were exhausted from the effects of gas-shells and
the heavy going.
By 9.40 a.m., the Commanding Officer, the Adjutant and two
other officers were casualties, and command of the battalion fell
upon 2nd Lieutenant K. Young. 1 Orders then came from the
Brigadier to advance. With D Company on the right, A in the
centre and C on the left, B Company acting as " moppers up,"
the Lincolnshire pushed on to the crest of the Ridge. On reach-
ed Lieut. Young was awarded the D.S.O. for his energy and resource on this
occasion.
2^4
THE 2nd LINCOLNSHIRE [ JUL y 3 i ST> i 9 * 7
ing the latter heavy machine-gun fire tore gaps in the ranks of
the forward companies and caused heavy casualties. The fire
came mostly from the right flank, which was exposed, as the 30th
Division had been held up earlier in the day. To make matters
worse, our barrage fell beyond the German machine-guns, which
left the latter free to pour a destructive fire upon the gallant troops
THE BATTLE OF YPRES, iqij
of the 25th Brigade. The result was that no further advance
was possible and the Lincolnshire began consolidating the re-
verse slope of the Ridge with Lewis gun posts pushed forward
to the crest. The line upon which consolidation began was just
in front of Jabber Trench, which ran from north-west to south-
east and about two hundred yards west of Westhoek. On the
left C Company made a determined attempt to rush a machine-
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
gun which was causing considerable trouble but, having to move
up a communication trench, found the latter blocked, and, after
suffering casualties, had to abandon the attempt. Two attacks
were also made on a house along the Westhoek road, but the
attackers were so exposed to machine-gun fire from the right
that both attacks failed.
At 11.50 a.m., and again at 1.10 p.m., the Germans launched
counter-attacks, but both were easily repulsed. At 1.30 p.m.,
German reinforcements were seen coming from the direction of
Anzac (about one thousand five hundred yards north-east of
Westhoek) and massing in Jabber support. The 2nd Lincoln-
shire quickly got to work with Lewis guns and rifle-fire and
inflicted considerable casualties on these hostile troops. At
2.30 p.m., having first placed a heavy barrage on Bellewaarde
Ridge, the valley west of Westhoek and on the Lincolnshire front
line, the enemy again launched a heavy counter-attack. This
was also beaten back with heavy losses and after the failure of
this attempt no serious counter-attack was made.
Consolidation now proceeded more rapidly and was completed
after darkness had fallen. The Lewis gun posts on the crest of
the Westhoek Ridge were converted into bombing and listening
posts and the night passed without further incident. At 5 a.m.,
the following morning the 2nd Lincolnshire were relieved by
the 2nd Royal Berkshire and moved to Pioneer Camp.
The losses of the battalion were severe : 2nd Lieutenants A.J.
Bush and G.E. Truby and thirty-nine other ranks had been killed,
Lieutenant A.G. Bloomer and 2nd Lieutenant V.R. Sowerby
were wounded and died later of their wounds. Lieut.-Colonel
Bastard, Captain G.McI.S. Bruce, Lieutenant L. J. Lill, Lieu-
tenant and Adjutant H. Ingoldby, 2nd Lieutenant F.C, Evans
and one hundred and seventy-seven other ranks were wounded,
and twenty-seven other ranks were missing.
On the 2nd of August the battalion, under the command of
Major E.F.O. Richards, marched to Dominion Camp.
Meanwhile the Second Army, astride and south of the Ypres-
Comines Canal, advanced (according to plan). In this attack the
8th Lincolnshire, of the 63rd Brigade (37th Division), were
engaged.
The 8 th Battalion was mentioned last as being in billets in
Beaufort on the 30th of April. The whole of May was spent
out of the line and early in June the 37th Division began to move
north to the Ypres area.
The attack of the 37th Division took place in co-operation
with an attack by the 19th Division, the 63rd Infantry Brigade
(less two battalions) and the 37th Divisional Artillery being placed
in the first phase under the command of the 1 9th Division.
256
THE 8th LINCOLNSHIRE [juL y 3 ist, I9 r 7
At 3.50 a.m. 31st July, the attack began, D Company of the
Lincolnshire being detailed to form the defensive flank on the
right of the 4th Middlesex from June to July Farms. The right
company of the Middlesex advanced and gained its objective,
and at 4.30 a.m., two platoons of the supporting company went
through to reconnoitre and clear Bab Farm. It was at this stage
that the leading platoon of the 8 th Lincolnshire, then engaged in
forming the defensive flank, was drawn into the fighting. Some
stiff close-quarter fighting then ensued, and heavy casualties
were inflicted on the enemy, but the attackers were hard pressed.
Again and again they tried to send runners back for assistance,
but they were shot down. Runners sent forward from the
reserve company also failed to reach the attackers and the brigade
Junefm. JulyFm,
WamFm.
1000
l_
2000
Sea le
3000 Yards
I
ATTACK AT THE WAMBEKE
narrative ends the account of the gallant party of Middlesex and
Lincolnshire with the words : " This party fought it out where
they were until they were all either killed or wounded."
At 7.50 a.m., the main operations began. B Company of the
Lincolnshire attacked, supported by C Company, with the line
July Farm-Warn Farm-Wambeke River as _ their objective.
This line was reached and touch established with the Somerset
on the right. But no trace of the Middlesex on the left could
be found, or of D Company. The Germans in IVtfay Farm
offered resistance and a left defensive flank was formed by C
Company, which also reinforced the front line. A Company
then advanced to the shell-hole line, one platoon being attached
to a company of the Middlesex which attacked May Farm. In
this attack 2nd Lieutenant W.S. Hunter was killed.
Until 8 p.m. that night, the situation remained unchanged,
s 257
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
when the nth East Lanes attacked on the flank of the Middlesex,
and after some fighting, maintained communication on the right
to south of May Farm with the left of C Company of the Lincoln-
shire. During the next twenty-four hours the situation
remained unchanged. Several hostile counter-attacks from Bab
Farm and Beek Wood were broken up by artillery-fire. Before
the 63rd Brigade was relieved the following message was received
dated the 31st July : " The Divisional Commander congratu-
lates you heartily on your magnificent fight to-day."
The battalion was relieved on the night of the 1st of August
and returned to billets at Kemmel Hill, moving back to a reserve
area between Dranoutre and Bailleul on the 2nd.
Casualties in the operations were three officers (one already
given) killed (2nd Lieutenants H. Lee and W.F. Wells-Cole),
two officers (2nd Lieutenants A. Linton and H. Stone) wounded,
and two (2nd Lieutenants N. Timpson and J.M. Cain) missing.
In other ranks the losses were " unclassified " eighty-five, miss-
ing eighty-five (all of D Company).
The general results of the battle on the whole front were
excellent ; over six thousand one hundred prisoners were taken,
including one hundred and thirty-three officers and about twenty-
five guns.
(ii) The Battle of Langemarck 19 17 : i6th~i8th August
During the afternoon of the 31st of July, while the fighting
was in progress, rain began to fall and fell steadily all night for the
next four days and nights. The despatch {Despatch of the i$th
December, 191 7, para. 43) gives a deplorable picture of the
battlefield at this period : " For several days afterwards the
weather remained stormy and unsettled. The low-lying, clayey
soil, torn by shells and sodden with rain, turned to a succession
of vast muddy pools. The valleys of the choked and overflowing
streams were speedily transformed into long stretches of bog,
impassable except by a few well-defined tracks which became
marks for the enemy's artillery. To leave these tracks was to
risk death by drowning, and in the course of the subsequent
fighting on several occasions both men and pack animals were
lost in this way. ' In these conditions operations of any magni-
tude became impossible."
The above extract explains the interval of a fortnight between
the Battles of Pilckem and Langemarck. On the 1 6th of August,
however, the second of the great battles of Ypres 19 17 began on
a front extending from the north-west corner of Inverness Copse
to our junction with the French south of St. Janshoek.
In the Battle of Langemarck 191 7 the 2nd and 6th Battalions
of the Regiment were engaged.
258
THE 2nd LINCOLNSHIRE [A uo. hth, i 9 i 7
The 2nd Lincolnshire were out of the line for just over a week
before they moved by companies to the Bellewaarde Ridge on the
nth of August to support the 74th Brigade, but at night they
returned to Half Way House and the following night moved
forward again to trenches in the Bellewaarde area.
At 10 p.m., the 2nd Lincolnshire began the relief of the nth
Cheshire on the Westhoek Ridge. -D Company was on the
right, B on the left, A in support and C in reserve. At 3.30
a.m. on the 14th, the enemy put down a very heavy barrage
along the Westhoek and Bellewaarde Ridges and an hour later
attacked the battalion on the right of the Lincolnshire. A and
D Companies of the Lincolnshire, owing to their right flank being
exposed had considerable casualties. That night the enemy
again placed a barrage on the Westhoek Ridge, causing further
losses, but no infantry attack followed.
For the operations due to begin at 4.45 a.m. on the 16th of
August, the 2nd Lincolnshire were placed in Brigade Reserve.
At zero hour B and D Companies moved forward to support the
2nd Royal Berkshire (the right assaulting battalion), D on the
right, B on the left in artillery formation, halting about one
hundred and fifty yards west of the Hanebeek, where they dug in.
Thirty men of C Company were attached as carriers to the 25th
Trench-Mortar Battery.
On the left of the whole attack good progress was made to-
wards Langemarck : in the centre the enemy was more obstinate :
on the right he developed the main strength of his resistance. At
6.30 a.m., an order was received by the Lincolnshire to support
the attack and D Company, with two platoons of B, crossed the
Hanebeek and reinforced the assaulting troops. But before long,
the brigades on both flanks being held up, a withdrawal was neces-
sary, and the 25th Brigade withdrew to a position two hundred
yards west of the stream. ' Under heavy pressure, a further
withdrawal of two hundred yards was made at 10.30 a.m.
During the early afternoon at 2.30 p.m., the enemy was
observed massing for a counter-attack which developed later.
A and C Companies of the Lincolnshire (with some of the 2nd
Rifle Brigade) were moved forward to the eastern slopes of the
Westhoek Ridge, from which position they could fire into the
valley of the Hanebeek on the advancing enemy. There they
remained until 1 1 p.m., when they were relieved by the 2nd
Northamptons and withdrew to the Bellewaarde Farm area. On
the night of the 17th the battalion relieved the 2nd Rifle Brigade
in Brigade Reserve on the Westhoek Ridge, but was withdrawn
again at 9 p.m.. on the 18th to Halifax Camp, near Ouderdom.
Both the Battalion and Brigade Headquarters Diaries make
but brief reference to the actions of the 2nd Lincolnshire during
259
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
the battle : they were in support most of the time, which prob-
ably accounts for the brevity of the narrative.
On the night of the 1 3th of August the strength of the bat-
talion was about four hundred all ranks, of whom eleven officers
and three hundred men went into action on the 16th. The
total casualties during the operations were thirty-one other ranks
killed, Captain L.C. Smith, 2nd Lieutenants E.T. Okell and B.
Middleton and one hundred and four other ranks wounded, thirty-
six other ranks missing : Captain F.R. Griffith and Lieutenant
C.H. Joyce were also wounded, but remained at duty.
The 6th Lincolnshire (1 ith Division) provided working parties
for the forward area (the 33rd Brigade being in Divisional
Reserve).
On the 1 st of July the 6th Battalion with other units of the
brigade was engaged in training at Northleulinghem, in the
Fifth Army area, till the 1 5th, when reserve positions were taken
over in the St. Jean sector, the 6th Lincolnshire being accom-
modated in dug-outs or shelters on the eastern banks of the Yser
Canal. Two days later the battalion took over front-line
trenches. The opposing lines were so close together that when
our guns were engaged in shelling the enemy's front line the
Lincolnshire had to temporarily vacate their trenches. The
enemy's retaliation was both systematic and heavy : he used
large quantities of gas shells and for several nights box respirators
had to be worn continually. Raids were carried out all along the
line at this period and one attempted by the Lincolnshire was
unsuccessful, as the fire of the Divisional Artillery, on the point
selected, prevented entry. Relief came on the 24th /25th July,
but on the night of the 2 6th /27th July the battalion was back
again in the front line.
It was reported on the 27th that the enemy had evacuated his
front line ; as the correctness of this information was doubted a
very weak patrol was sent out by the Commanding Officer
(Lieut.-Colonel Gater) to verify it, which was met by heavy
machine-gun and rifle-fire. Lieutenant Playle and five other
ranks were wounded. The casualties would have been far
heavier if the original report, based on aeroplane reconnaissance,
had been accepted.
On the 15th of August, the day before the battle opened, the
6th Lincolnshire were in Siege Camp. On the 16th the 33rd
Brigade was in Divisional Reserve, the 34th Brigade having been
ordered to carry out the attack by the 1 ith Division against the
Pheasant Line, north of St. Julien. During the operations B and
D Companies of the Lincolnshire acted as carrying parties for the
attacking battalions of the 34th Brigade, while A and C Com-
panies furnished working parties for the Royal Engineers.
260
THE 6th LINCOLNSHIRE [aug. «st, r 9 i r
During the day the battalion lost ten other ranks killed and twelve
wounded. The following day, the attack of the 34th Brigade
having failed, the 33rd Brigade took over the line, the Lincoln-
shire moving into Lancashire Farm in Brigade Reserve, where
they remained until the night of the 19th /20th.
From the close of the Battle of Langemarck 1 9 1 7 wet weather
■prevailed for the remainder of August, nevertheless, while pre-
parations were being made for the next battle, attacks east and
north-east of Ypres against important strong points in the enemy's
line were made on the 19th, 22nd and 27th. In these attacks
the nth Division was engaged.
The 6th Lincolnshire, from Lancashire Farm, relieved the
7th South StafFords in the front line on the night of the 1 9th /20th,
after the battalion had attacked and captured a strong point called
the Cockcroft.
The first two days the battalion held the front line were (with
the exception of artillery and aircraft activity) uneventful. The
swamps which lined either bank of the Steenbeek during the early
part of August were more or less passable, but the whole area
round the stream was particularly difficult, being full of flooded
shell-holes, which made attacks or advances in the normal wave
formation impossible. Captain J.C. Foster was killed while on
patrol on the 20th.
On the 21st, late at night, orders stated that the following day
the 6th Lincolnshire were to take part in an advance by the nth
and other Divisions in order to gain and consolidate a good
forming-up line for an attack later on the Pheasant Line, which
took its name from Pheasant Farm, behind the German lines.
The 6th Battalion was to attack on the right and the 6th Border
Regiment on the left. The Lincolnshire were to advance on a
two-company front, D on the right, B on the left. Zero hour
was fixed at 4.45 a.m.
The line held by the 33 rd Brigade at this period is difficult
to describe, being snake-like. Its right was about two hundred
yards north of Mont du Hibou, whence it ran northwards through
the Cockcroft, then across the Lekkerboterbeek, turning in a
slightly north-easterly direction just south of the Langemarck-
Poelcapelle road. In front of the 6th Lincolnshire was Bulow
Farm. The enemy's defences consisted of numerous strongly-
held concreted emplacements dotted about irregularly.
These concreted emplacements became known as " pill-
boxes," 1 It was reckoned, therefore, that the normal formation
1 Each " pill-box " could hold about a dozen men : they were loop-holed on each side
for machine-guns and were immune from anything but a direct hit from a heavy shell.
Many of them were hit by 18-pounders, 4.5 [and even 6] shells, which merely knocked
off large lumps of concrete.
26l
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
for the attack, i.e., " waves," would be quite unsuitable in
attacking these strongholds, so artillery formation in sections
was adopted.
At 4.45 a.m., the attack began. B and D Companies, in
small parties, attacked Bulow Farm, a large and strongly-held
" pill-box " situated among a group of smaller ones. Owing
to the death of Captain Foster, Captain D.L. Jones assumed
command of D Company only the night before : B Company
was under the command of Captain Sutherland. By 6.40 a.m.
B Company was digging in on its objective. D Company had
been held up, for the three subaltern officers and three sergeants
had become casualties almost as soon as the advance began.
Owing to the late hour at which orders had been received on the
previous night it had not been possible to explain the details of
the attack to individual men or show them the ground in daylight.
Not knowing what to do and the battalion on the right not having
moved, there was some hesitation. His own company having
begun to consolidate their position, Captain Sutherland then went
to see what had happened to D, whom he found as already ex-
plained. Sending off to the Cockcroft for Captain Jones, he
moved a section arid a Lewis gun from A Company (in support)
and stationed them on the right flank- facing Vieilles Maisons,
later bringing up one and a half platoons of A to form a defensive
flank. On reaching his company, Captain Jones advanced and
ordered his men to dig in on the right of B Company, but the
ground was swampy and one post was pushed out east of Bulow
Farm. Captain Jones then went out to visit this post, but when
there, could not get back owing to German snipers. A little
later a shell burst in the post, wounding Captain Jones and
two men, and killing a corporal and two men. Whilst trying
to get back to the dressing station, the officer was killed by a
. sniper.
Great credit is due to Captain Sutherland for the success of
this attack, as not only did he make the dispositions for his own
company at very short notice, but took command of D Company
when the lossof officers and non-commissioned officers made the
situation critical. Several prisoners were captured in Bulow
Farm. Lieutenant Denny and 2nd Lieutenants W. Harrie and
Robinson were wounded, and the casualties in other ranks were
nineteen killed, sixty-three wounded and two missing. Through-
out the whole period the battalion behaved splendidly in trying
conditions'.
Two days later the 6th Lincolnshire were relieved and moved
back to Gournier Farm in support. On the 24th they marched
back to the canal bank. On the 2 7th, the 3 2 nd Brigade attacked
the Pheasant Line from the positions gained and consolidated by
262
THE ist LINCOLNSHIRE [sE p T . 2 oth, I9 i 7
the Lincolnshire. The 33rd Brigade was in reserve, but the
battalion was not called upon and on the 27th the latter reached
Breeke Camp, where reorganization took place.
(iii) The Battle of the Menin Road : ioth-i$th September
The ist Battalion was mentioned last as being in Brigade
Reserve in the Hindenburg Line south-east of Arras. On the
nth of May, the 33rd Division took over the line held by the
2 1 st Division, and the Lincolnshire moved to Boisleux St. Marc,
thence to Adinfer on the 12th. During this tour in the line
casualties were 2nd Lieutenant L.J. Kemp wounded, four other
ranks killed, and twenty wounded.
From Adinfer, the battalion, on the 31st of May, marched to
a new area west of Croisilles, relieving the 16th King's Royal
Rifles. On the 1st of June, work began on a support trench, but
the enemy's artillery was active and the Lincolnshire were fre-
quently interrupted. On the 3rd his guns shelled St. Leger and
the area occupied by the battalion, Captain A.B.O. Parish,
Lieutenant R.L. de Brisay and 2nd Lieutenants L.A. Howe,
H.W. Harrison and F.M. Price being wounded, the last two
officers severely. 1 Three other ranks were killed and four
wounded. On the 5th the Lincolnshire took over Burg Trench
in the front line, but the tour was uneventful, and on relief the
battalion marched back to Moyenneville, and, after several days
in camp in that place, a period of training was spent at Bailleulval.
Between the 30th of June, the date on which the ist Lincoln-
shire returned to the trenches, until the r 6 th of September, when
the 2 ist Division, having been transferred to the Second Army,
began to move north, there is nothing to record of special inter-
est in the life of the battalion. The ist Lincolnshire reached
Caestre on the 1 6th of September, and Cassel on the 1 7th, whence
they marched to Borre.
At 7.30 a.m. on the 20th, motor lorries carried the Lincoln-
shire to a camp near Ridge Wood, south-east of Dickebusch
Lake. A and B Companies, arriving first, picked up tools and
marched to Clonmel Copse, where they dug a cable trench to the
front line, pn a length of about two thousand yards. C and D
Companies, on arrival, began work at 5.30 p.m. The battalion
was shelled while at work, but lost only one man killed and eight
wounded. Between 5 and 6 a.m., on the 21st, the battalion
was relieved and returned to Ridge Wood. Companies returned
to their work during the evening of the 21st and were again
relieved the next morning. On the 23rd the Lincolnshire dug
another trench from Clapham Junction to Fitzclarence Farm.
1 and Lieutenant F.M. Price died of his wounds on the 4th of June.
263
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
On the 26th the battalion rejoined the 62nd Brigade in the Le
Roukloshille area.
The work carried out was done under shell-fire and those who
remember Clomnel Copse, Clapham Junction and Fitzclarence
Farm, in September 1 9 1 7 will remember the rough time working
parties had from the enemy's shell-fire.
(iv) The Battle of Polygon Wood : 26th September— %rd October
The previous operations from the 2oth-25th September gave
us the whole of the Menin Ridge, and the next battle was for the
purpose of pushing our line still further east to a position from
which a direct attack could be made on the ridge between
Noordemdhoek and Broodseinde. The attack was due on the
26th of September on a front of rather less than six miles from
south of Tower Hamlets to north-east of St. Julien.
The 59th Division (Romer) attacked with the 177th Brigade
on the right and the 178th Brigade on the left, each brigade with
two battalions in the front line, and captured a long line of strong
posts on each side of the Wieltje— Grafenstafel road.
In addition to the usual artillery barrage there was a machine-
gun barrage from forty machine-guns firing on the strong points,
Van Isackere Farm, Dochy Farm, Fokker Farm, Toronto and
Otto Farm-
On the night of the 2 5th /2,6th the 1 /4th and 1 /5th Lincoln-
shire formed up on a line roughly from Zevencote to Elms
Corner, i.e., in rear of the Leicesters. Two hours before zero
(5.50 a.m.) the guns opened with a heavy bombardment of the
enemy's positions. Several days of fine weather had dried up
the ground considerably, and the bursting shells threw up clouds
of dust, which acted as a smoke screen for the attackers.
At zero the Leicesters attacked and gained possession of the
first objective without much opposition. The 2 /4th Lincoln-
shire passed through the 2 /4th Leicesters at zero plus one hun-
dred and thirty-five minutes, the formation of the battalion being
a line of men who moved about fifty yards in rear of the barrage,
followed at a distance by small assaulting columns in file. A
Company was on the right, C on the left, B in support, whilst D
was used for carrying and mopping-up duties. The support
company moved in artillery formation.
The enemy showed very little fight. Some surrendered and
came out of their concrete strongholds (" pill-boxes ") as soon
as the first line approached. The garrisons of two " pill-boxes "
offered resistance, but when the attacking troops moved round
their flanks and opened fire they also gave in. Of machine-gun
and rifle-fire and bombing, there was very little. The 2 /4th
264
THE 2/4TH & 2/5TH LINCOLNSHIRE [sept. 2 6th, i 9 i 7
advanced until held up by their own barrage, under cover of
which deep narrow trenches were dug in irregular formation.
Patrols were then pushed out and more prisoners secured from
a strong point south-east of Dochy Farm, where the groun4 was
too wet to allow of trenches being dug.
The captured ground was consolidated in depth, a few " pill-
boxes " being used, but the latter were mostly avoided as the
enemy would certainly shell them. At about 5.30 p.m., the
enemy put down a heavy barrage, which fell principally on the
support line, causing many casualties. An attempted counter-
ypres, 19 1 7
attack was broken up. Throughout the night of the 2 6th /27th
shell-fire was continuous.
On the left of the 1 /4th, the 2 /5th Lincolnshire had similarly
captured their objective. The battalion attacked also on a two-
company frontage, B on the right, D on the left, C in support,
and A in reserve, with orders to provide carrying parties.
D on the left met with practically no resistance and dug a
strong point north of Dochy Farm, sending a platoon to assist
B Company in capturing the Farm. B Company in attacking
the Farm as final objective, met with machine-gun and rifle-fire,
but worked to the flanks of the block-houses, whereupon the
Germans surrendered, some fifty being captured.
The battalion then consolidated a line of strong points from
the Farm to the strong point constructed by D Company. Shell-
holes in rear of these points were connected and deepened. The
265
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
enemy's barrage on the old front line and assembly positions was
heavy, but the attacking troops had passed beyond it, and did
not suffer casualties. The heaviest losses, however, occurred on
the final objective, on which the hostile artillery placed a heavy
bombardment. The captured " pill-boxes " especially came in
for rough treatment.
" The men," records the narrative of the 2 /5th Lincolnshire,
" behaved with the greatest gallantry throughout, and on several
occasions had to be checked from passing through our own
barrage to their objectives, especially during the wait behind the
2 /5th Leicesters until zero plus one hundred minutes." The
whole attack by the 59th Division went splendidly.
Both the 2 /4th and 2 /5th Lincolnshire passed a compara-
tively peaceful night, but on the 27th the enemy's shell-fire was
again heavy, though only a few casualties were suffered. At 1 1
p.m., the 2 /5th were relieved and moved back to trenches west
of Pommern Castle. The 2 /4th, however, held the same posi-
tion until the night of the 29th, when they were relieved by New
Zealand troops and marched back to Red Rose Camp, Vlamer-
tinghe, the 2 /5th moving back the same night to Derby Camp.
Although the Lincolnshire Territorials had captured their
objectives without encountering a great deal of opposition, the
casualties in both battalions were heavy. The 2 /4th lost Cap-
tain E.W. Hall and thirty-six other ranks killed : Lieut.-
Colonel A.B. Johnson, Captains E.G. Hooper, G.D. Fox, E.G.V.
Knox and M.J.M. Gale, Lieutenant F.R. Coulson, 2nd Lieu-
tenants H.R. Smith, R. Scott, G.G. Hillery, E.W. Barker, and
one hundred and forty-four other ranks were wounded and
eighteen other ranks were missing. The losses of the 2 /5th
were even heavier : Captains G.L. Hill and C.N. Newsum, 2nd
Lieutenants E.J. Lowe, P. Grantham and twelve other ranks
were killed ; 2nd Lieutenants R.H. Turner, R.C. Ingram,
H.C.W. Charles, G.H. Gouldby, R.J. Brooke, W. Parvin, G.
Houlden, and two hundred and two other ranks were wounded,
and seventy-four other ranks were missing, of whom the majority,
no doubt, were killed. The Battalion Diary states that out of
twenty-one officers and five hundred and sixty-three other ranks
who went into action on the 26th, only ten officers and two
hundred and seventy-five other ranks marched out of the trenches.
A heavy price to pay for victory.
The 1 st Lincolnshire came into the area of the battle on the
night of the 2nd of October. The battalion paraded in Chippewa
Camp at 3.30 p.m., and marched via Dickebusch to a camp near
Scottish Wood and bivouacked for the night.
The 8th Lincolnshire moved up into support in Shrewsbury
Forest on the 27th of September, where for four days they were
266
THE 8th LINCOLNSHIRE [OCT . 4 th, i 9 i 7
under almost continuous shell-fire. On the ist of October they
relieved the 4th Middlesex in the front line.
The 6th Lincolnshire moved to Siege Farm on the 2nd of
October.
(v) The Battle of Broodseinde : 4th October
During the evening of the 3rd of October the fine weather
broke : a heavy gale and rain blew up from the south-west.
Under such adverse conditions arrangements were made for the
next battle.
The attack took place at 6 a.m. on the 4th of October, and was
directed against the main line of the ridge east of Zonnebeke.
The front of the principal attack extended from the Menin road
to the Ypres-Staden railway — a distance of about seven miles.
Only a short advance, with the object of capturing certain strong
points was to take place south of the Menin road.
Two battalions of the Regiment — the ist and 8th Lincoln-
shire — took part in the Battle of Broodseinde, the former attack-
ing the enemy near the south-western corner of the Polygon
Wood, the latter south of the Menin road.
The 8 th Lincolnshire was the left attacking battalion of the
63rd Brigade (37th Division) : the 8th Somerset was on its
right. The brigade had been but a short while in the line, having
relieved the 11 8th Brigade on the night of the 2 7th /28th of
September. The position taken over was supposed to he the
line of a road running north and south through Jute Cotts (a
farmhouse south of Tower Hamlets), but the actual line was found
to be about one hundred and fifty yards west of the road and in
places even more. And even this road had been obliterated by
shell-fire. No movementwas possible during the day and recon-
naissance was extremely difficult. Even runners as soon as
they left Battalion Headquarters were sniped. However, after
offensive operations had been ordered, some sort of a recon-
naissance was carried out and the road was then found to be the
German outpost line, with strong points behind it.
The Somerset and Lincolnshire formed up under the greatest
difficulties, and at 6 a.m. attacked the enemy. But from the
time they left their assembly positions both battalions came under
murderous machine-gun fire.
The only comment made by the 8 th Lincolnshire in their
Battalion Diary is " Attack unsuccessful," while the 63rd Brigade
narrative has the following : " On the left the 8 th Lincolnshire
advanced and, after going about one hundred yards, came under
fire of several' machine-guns which swept the slope. Two of
these appeared to be between the road and Joist Trench and
267
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
another at Berry Cotts. These guns inflicted very heavy casual-
ties on the leading companies. The enemy, about one hundred
strong, were occupying the trench about fifty yards east of the
Jute Cotts road and were reinforced from Joist Trench. The
enemy also made local counter-attacks, but it was entirely due to
the machine-gun fire that the attack was held up here. Owing
to the whole plateau being swept by these machine-guns and also
by the machine-guns from the south, it was decided that the
attack could not get over the ground and, owing to casualties, the
original line was occupied."
On the 5th the Lincolnshire advanced their posts north of Jute
Cotts to within fifty yards of the German line, and on this line
they were relieved on the 6th of October, returning to Little
Kemmel. The Brigade Diary gives one hundred and eighty-
four as the total casualties suffered during the operations : Cap-
tain R.G. Cordiner, Lieutenant A.F. Forge and 2nd Lieutenants
R.H. Westbury, W.R. Gibson and F.H.J. Robilliard were killed
and 2nd Lieutenants E.H. Dukes and H.E.K. Neen wounded.
North of the Menin Road the 1st Lincolnshire also had hard
fighting. On the 2nd of October the 62nd Brigade (21st
Division) took over the left sector of the Divisional front, i.e.,
immediately north of the Menin Road and on the eastern fringe
of Polygon "Wood. The 1st Lincolnshire were in reserve in
Scottish Wood.
In the operations of the 4th of October, the 21st Division
attacked with the 64th Brigade on the right and 62 nd Brigade
on the left. Of the latter, the 3 /4th Queen's, then holding the
front line, were to carry the first objective : the 12th Northum-
berland Fusiliers, on the right, and the 10th Yorkshire on the
left, were to capture the second objective : the 1st Lincolnshire
in reserve, were to act according to circumstances, and the Com-
manding Officer said : " This meant the selection of an initial
position somewhere near the eastern edge of Polygon Wood,
which was unlikely to be a pleasant spot."
At 9.30 p.m., on the 3rd the Lincolnshire moved in single file
up to the Polygon Wood, by the duck-board track via north of
Sanctuary Wood to Clapham Junction, thence Fitzclarence Farm
to Black Watch Corner, and on to the position selected. The total
distance covered by the battalion from the embankment at
Zillebeke Lake to the assembly position in Polygon Wood was
approximately four miles. It took two and a half hours to cover
that distance, the battalion being assembled at 12 midnight.
2nd Lieutenant W.K. Saunderson and J.R. Lish, with two
representatives per company had moved up previously to tape
out assembly positions, the former officer being wounded while
so doing.
268
THE ist LINCOLNSHIRE [oct. 4 th, i 9 i 7
The i st Battalion, the Lincolnshire Regiment, dug in on its
position as reserve battalion in Polygon Wood at 12 midnight
of the 3rd /4th of October. At 5 a.m., one hour before zero,
Lieut.-Colonel L.P. Evans, D.S.O., returned from reconnoitring
the assembly position and ordered the battalion to advance as
left battalion for the second objective.
The battalion passed the 12th /13th Northumberland Fusiliers
and assembled immediately north of them, D Company on the
left front, C Company on the right front, B Company and A
Company covering them off respectively. Each company was
in close formation of platoons with six yards between com-
panies. The battalion was actually in this position at zero — five
minutes. The assembly was carried out undisturbed by enemy
shelling.
At zero the battalion moved forward in mass. A few casual-
ties occurred very soon afterwards from machine-gun fire and
" shorts " from our own barrage. On reaching the first strong
point, Colonel Evans, noting gaps in the front line, ordered C and
D Companies to push through and catch up the barrage : A and
B Companies followed by platoons to the first objective, which
was captured by the 3 /4th Queen's, assisted by C and D Com-
panies at about 6.40 a.m. C and D Companies halted on the
western edge of the barrage, which had stopped one hundred
yards from the objective, and reorganized there. A and B Com-
panies 1 reorganized in Judge Trench. Here we were in touch
with the 1 2th /13th Northumberland Fusiliers on the south and
troops of the 91st Brigade to the north. Before the attack re-
commenced, Colonel Evans moved A Company up between C
and D Companies as pre-arranged, B Company remaining in
reserve.
Soon after zero, about the German front line, a few of our
shells fell amongst the two leading companies, apparently one
1 8-pounder was firing short. One shell wounded two officers
and six men. Two hundred yards further, a " pill-box "
at J.io.d.j 1 ^ (about three hundred yards north-east of Joist
Farm and just in front of Juniper Trench) was _ encount-
ered : the leading waves passed without encountering resis-
tance. A machine-gun opened fire from this place, inflicting
casualties.
At this stage Lieut.-Colonel Evans, assisted by an officer of
the Machine-Gun Corps and several men of the Lincolnshire
Regiment, advancing from two directions, silenced the machine-
gun, reached the " pill-box," and forced the garrison to surrender.
For this act, and for his leadership and cool bravery throughout
1 Companies were commanded at this period as' follows : A— Captain Neilson ; B—
Captain Newbury ; C— Lieutenant Young ; D— Captain Edwards.
269
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
the day, when, though twice wounded, he still led his battalion,
Lieut.-Colonel Evans was awarded the V.C. 1
By this time there were six officers with the battalion besides
the Commanding Officer. Other ranks, however, had not
suffered very heavily.
After a halt of one hour and forty minutes, the attack recom-
menced and went smoothly to the final objective : although fairly
heavy casualties were caused by a machine-gun and snipers from
the vicinity of Judge Copse, one platoon of B Company (reserve)
being sent up to reinforce the right flank of the attack. Further
casualties occurred during the consolidation, chiefly from snipers.
During the remainder of the day the enemy's shell-fire was
heavy. After dark touch was established with the 12th /13th
Northumberland Fusiliers on the south and with the 9 1 st Brigade
on the north : communication between the various posts in the
front line was also established. At this time, as far as could be
ascertained there were but four officers and one hundred and
sixty other ranks with the battalion.
No counter-attacks were launched against the battalion, and
from daylight on the 5th to 10 a.m., all was comparatively quiet.
From the latter hour, however, the support company and posts
adjoining the 1 2th /13th Northumberland Fusiliers were shelled
intermittently, though few casualties resulted.
At 2 a.m. on the 6th of October, the 1st Lincolnshire were
relieved by two companies of the 6th Leicestershire Regiment
and marched back to Zillebeke.
The battalion narrative concludes with the following para-
graph : " Throughout the operations very inclement weather
was experienced, but the hardships were endured by all ranks
with cheerfulness and as results show, it was plainly the deter-
mination of every officer and man in the battalion to uphold the
reputation of the 1st Battalion the Lincolnshire Regiment for
consistent good work, and the staunchness and dogged courage
displayed by all ranks in this battle has never been surpassed in
the whole campaign. The battalion went into action five
1 From the London Gazette, 26th November, 1917 :
V.C. For most conspicuous bravery and leadership.
Lieut.-Colonel Evans took his battalion in perfect order through a terrific enemy
barrage, personally formed up all units, and led them to the assault. While a strong
machine-gun emplacement was causing casualties, and the troops were working round
the Bank, Lieut.-Colonel Evans rushed at it himself, and by firing his revolver through
the loophole forced the garrison to capitulate. After capturing the first objective he was
severely wounded in the shoulder, but refused to be bandaged, and re-formed the troops,
pointed out all future objectives, and again led his battalion forward. Again badly
wounded, he nevertheless continued to command, until the second objective was won, and
after consolidation collapsed from loss of blood. As there were numerous casualties, he
refused assistance, and by his own efforts ultimately reached the Dressing Station.
His example of cool bravery stimulated in all ranks the highest valour and determin-
ation to win.
27O
THE 6th LINCOLNSHIRE [0 ct. 9 th, i 9 i 7
hundred and seventy strong, with twenty-two officers. The
following officers were killed : 2nd Lieutenants J.C. Adamson,
E.J. Gayer, J.N.M. Losh, J.R. Lish and A. Brown. Officers
wounded : Lieut.-Colonel L.P. Evans, D.S.O., Major W.H.
Gush, M.C., Captain E.V. Edwards, Lieutenant M. Church-
house, 2nd Lieutenants G.H. Hull, F.H. Young, W.K. Sander-
son, A.J. Skevington, E.J. Garland, W.B. Marsh and T.W.
Catton : 2nd Lieutenant and Adjutant S. Vergette was missing
and 2nd Lieutenant S.W. McCIay wounded and missing." 1
Major H.W. Gush, who, previous to the wounding of the
Commanding Officer, had been in charge of the nucleus party
at Murrumbidgee Camp, proceeded on the night of the 4th of
October to take command of the battalion, but was severely
wounded on the way to Battalion Headquarters. The senior
officer of those present was Captain T.G. Newbury, who took
command until the battalion moved back out of the line, when
he was succeeded by Captain Hon. W.H. Littleton, who had
been with the nucleus party during the time the battalion was in
action. Only six officers now remained with the battalion. In
other ranks the losses were twenty-four killed, one hundred and
sixty-seven wounded, thirty-six missing — two hundred and
twenty-seven in all.
During the operations of the 4th of October the 6th Lincoln-
shire (1 ith Division) were in Divisional Reserve on the Canal
bank.
(vi) The Battle of Poelcapelle : 9th October
The bad weather which persisted during the operations of the
4th of October continued, but at 5.20 a.m., on the 9th the attack
was renewed on a front of over six miles, from east of Zonnebeke
to the junction of the British and French Armies north-west of
Langemarck. In this battle the 6th, 7th and 10th Battalions
were in the area engaged on various duties.
The 1 ith Division fought its way forward in the face of great
opposition to the eastern outskirts of Poelcapelle village ; the
6th Lincolnshire of the 33rd Brigade on the 9th of October
moved up in support of the 32nd Brigade, which had suffered
heavy casualties. The 6th was not, however, called upon to
attack the enemy and, after two days in shell-holes under heavy
fire, they were withdrawn on the night of the ioth/i ith to Irish
Farm.
The 7th Lincolnshire arrived from the Arras front at Pesel-
hoek, near Poperinghe, on the 4th October. On the 9th the
battalion entrained for Elverdinghe, and marched from that place
1 Died of -wounds, 4th October, 1917.
271
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
to Roussel Farm, and on the night of the 9th/ioth relieved a
battalion of the Worcesters at Namour Crossing, after a very-
long and trying march.
The battalion spent the summer months, May to September,
Oppy, Gavrelle, Greenland Hill sectors, periods in the front line
trenches, alternating with periods of rest and training. That
part of the line was comparatively quiet. A raid by a party of
Germans of an estimated strength of three officers and one
hundred and fifty other ranks was attempted on the 8 th August,
and repulsed, but the battalion suffered heavily from the bom-
bardment, losing ten other ranks killed, twenty-six wounded,
and two missing. 1
(vii) The First Battle of Passchendaele : 1 1th October
Although the weather was unsettled and the ground was be-
coming more boggy and thick in mud, progress was not yet
impossible, and a renewal of the attack was ordered to take place
at 5.25 a.m., on the 12th of October. The front of attack
selected lay between the Ypres-Roulers railway and Houthulst
Forest.
The particular section of the line of interest to the Lincoln-
shire Regiment was that astride the Ypres-Staden railway (south
of Houthulst Forest), where the 7th Battalion, in conjunction
with the 10th Sherwood Foresters on their right and the 8 th
South Staffords on the left, attacked along the southern embank-
ment of the railway as far as Turenne Crossing.
On the night of the ioth/nth of October, the 7th Battalion
took over the front line astride the railway and just south of the
Poelcapelle road. Battalion Headquarters were in Pascal Farm.
The line at this period chiefly consisted of improved shell-
holes. Throughout the nth the enemy's artillery was very
active.
Duringthe night of the 1 ith/i2th the two companies of 7th
Lincolnshire north of the railway line were relieved by the 8th
South Staffords, and at zero hour on the 1 2th the Lincolnshire
were assembled on a line from south of the railway to the road
junction below Tranquille House. C Company (2nd Lieutenant
Wotherspoon) was on the right, B (2nd Lieutenant Tilbury) on
the left : A and B Companies (under Captains P.H. McCarroll
and G.N. Tredinnick respectively) were in support. C and B
Companies were to capture the first objective (a north and south
1 Officer casualties from the 17th May to the 4th October were : 2nd Lieutenant CD.
Knott (wounded 31/5/17), and Lieutenant H.Y. Maulkinson (died of wounds 4/6/17)7
Captain W.F. Thomas (wounded 9/7/17), Captain E.W. Milford (wounded 31/8/17)7
2nd Lieutenant J. Wallis (wounded 1/9/17).
272
THE 7-th LINCOLNSHIRE [OC t. I2TH> I9X7
line about Taube Farm), and A and D Companies the second
objective — Turenne Crossing. Major Peddie and Captain J.
King had taped the " jumping-off " lines during the night.
At 5.25 a.m., the barrage fell, and eight minutes later the
attacking companies advanced. At 6.50 a.m. the first objective
was reported taken, though casualties "were fairly heavy. Captain
Tredinnick was wounded and command of his company was
taken over by 2nd Lieutenant Harrison. The records state that
the men advanced behind the barrage with perfect confidence in
the screen of fire in front of them. At 7 a.m., Major Peddie
moved his headquarters up to Taube Farm, the attack having
gone forward to the second objective, which was reported cap-
tured at 8 a.m. The Lincolnshire began to consolidate their
position, being in touch on both flanks.
A curious incident happened at Taube Farm on the arrival of
Major Peddie and Battalion Headquarters at 7.25 a.m. Al-
though the attack had passed on, the farm was found to be still
occupied by a large party of Germans, numbering about one
hundred, with whom were nine officers. The whole lot sur-
rendered to Major Peddie, Captain King and two orderlies. A
heavy machine-gun and trench-mortar were also captured. From
another " pill-box " sixty more prisoners were taken later in the
morning.
The remainder of the day was spent in digging-in, though
the Lincolnshire were much worried by shell-fire and the
activities of snipers.
On the 13th several half-hearted counter-attacks were made,
the special point being the Turenne Crossing, but they were all
repulsed.
During the night of the 13th /14th the 7th Lincolnshire were
relieved, and at 5 a.m. on the 14th concentrated on the canal bank
near Boesinghe : they were taken back to Roussel Farm in
lorries.
Their losses in the attack had been considerable : 2nd
Lieutenant J.B. Harpe and twenty-eight other ranks were killed,
2nd Lieutenant L.E. Dennis-Marklew had died of wounds ;
Captains G.H. Tredinnick and R.H. McCarroll, 2nd Lieutenants
C.R. Davey, A.H. Scattergood, C.A. Warner, H.R. Robin,
W.H. Singleton, F.W. Nichols and one hundred and seventy
other ranks were wounded and forty-three other ranks were
missing.
After the first Battle of Passchendaele, it was evident that the
condition of the ground would not enable us to capture the re-
mainder of the Passchendaele Ridge in 1917.
t 273
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
Two small operations took place on the 27th of October in
which the 10th Lincolnshire took part.
The 10th Battalion 1 , after the operations of the 9 th of October,
continued working on the roads at Langemarck throughout the
10th and 1 ith, but after the latter date remained from the 12th
to the 15th billeted in Elverdinghe. Several moves took place
before, on the 22nd, the Lincolnshire moved up and relieved the
15th Royal Scots in the front line at night, Battalion Head-
quarters being established at Olga Houses.
B and D Companies of the Lincolnshire pushed forward
with an advanced guard, and formed a line of resistance in shell-
holes from Gravel Farm to the Brombeek, both places inclusive.
Touch with the 1 ith Suffolk on the left was not gained until the
night of the 23rd of October. On the latter night Lieutenant
Hatch, with a few men, captured two Germans who were en-
deavouring to find their way back to their own lines. - The whole
area was in such a shocking condition and it was so difficult to
find the way from Battalion Headquarters to the front line at
night that Captain Emmerson and 2nd Lieutenant Nicholls were
sent to tape a path between Headquarters and the forward
trenches.
On the 24th the battalion was relieved and moved back to
Huddlestone Camp, where the Divisional Commander addressed
the 101st Brigade. In this address he said : " Great credit is
also due to the 10th Lincolnshire Regiment in taking over the
line without a hitch on the night of the 22nd/23rd October,
without guides and under a harassing fire."
(viii) The Second Battle of Passchendaele : 26th October-
10th November
The 1st Lincolnshire from the 6 th of October until the close
of the Battles of Ypres 1917 (10th November) had a most un-
enviable time. If they were not in the front line in the Polygon
Wood area they were furnishing large working parties for digging
purposes. In camp there were air raids to worry them. On
the 26th they moved up to the front line, which was then about
one thousand five hundred yards east of the Butte in Polygon
Wood, the trenches being knee-deep in water. Here they spent
five days of misery, and when they came out of the line they had
lost nine other ranks killed, thirty-two wounded, and fifty-nine
evacuated sick to hospital, mostly suffering from " trench feet."
Several days were then spent in Railway Dug-outs, Zillebeke,
before, on the 15 th. at 4.15 p.m., the battalion again moved up
into the front line. This relief was a costly affair. Lieutenant
1 The battalion arrived at Langemarck on the 9th October from the Somme.
274
THE BATTLE OF CAMBRAI [NO v. zoth-dec. 7 th, i9 i 7
R.L. de Brisay (commanding A Company) was wounded, also
2nd Lieutenant and Assistant Adjutant L.C. Williams, who
died on the 9th. Five other ranks were killed, seventeen wounded
and two were missing. These casualties were from the enemy's
shell-fire. On the 10th rain again fell heavily and the trenches
were once more knee-deep in mud and water.
The 7th Lincolnshire were in the line in the Brombeek area,
having relieved troops of the 35th Division in the left sub-sector
on the night of the 2 7th /a 8th, but they were relieved on the
night of the 2 9th /30th and moved back to the Proven area,
where they were located on the 10th of November. 1
Ill
THE BATTLE OF CAMBRAI I917 ! 2
20TH NOVEMBER— 7TH DECEMBER
The object of the Battle of Cambrai was to gain a local success
at a point where the enemy did not expect it. The general plan
of attack was to dispense with artillery preparation, and depend
instead on tanks to break through the enemy's wire. At 6.20
a.m. on the 20th November, tanks and infantry attacked on a front
of about six miles from east of Gonnelieu to the Canal du Nord
opposite Hermies. The main system of the Hindenburg Line
was over-run, and the Hindenburg Reserve Line attacked. On
the evening of the 2 1st November, it was decided to continue the
attack in order to gain possession of the Bourlon Ridge, which
commanded our positions north of Flesquieres. The struggle
for Bourlon took several days of fierce fighting ; at the end of
five days we held a strong position on Bourlon Hill, and in the
Wood, but had not succeeded in gaining all the ground needed
for the security of this feature.
During the last days of November, various indications pointed
to the probability of the enemy making strenuous efforts to regain
the ground he had lost, and measures were taken to meet them.
Severe fighting commenced on the 30th November, and con-
tinued during the first week in December.
The particular portion of the line of interest to the Lincolnshire
Regiment was the sector at Cantaing, north-east of Flesquieres,
1 A note on page r27 of Sir Douglas Haig's Despatches, edited by Lieut.-Colonel
Boraston, O.B.E., contains a reference to the speech by Major-General Sir John Davidson
in the House of Commons, which explains the reasons for the continuation of the Ypres
offensive.
2 Despatch of the zotk February, 1918.
275
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE -REGIMENT
held by the 59th Division, of which the 2 /4th and 2 /5th (of the
177th Brigade) formed part.
After the Battle of Polygon Wood (26th September-3rd
October) the 2 /4th and 2 /5th Lincolnshire were withdrawn from
the Ypres Salient, and a few days later moved south with other
units of the brigade and 59th Division. On the 1 3th of October
the 177th Brigade relieved Canadian troops in the Avion sector,
TANKS
the 2 /5th going into the front line and the 2 /4th remaining in
Brigade Reserve in Zouave Valley. During the remainder of
October, however, little of importance occurred. Trench war-
fare was normal. The 2 /4th lost one officer — 2nd Lieutenant
"W.H. Owston — who, wounded on the 21st of October, died of
wounds on the 24th.
On the night of the 13th /14th November, Canadian troops
relieved the 177th Brigade, all four battalions of the latter moving
to the Chateau la Haie area, where training in open warfare began.
On the 17th the brigade moved to Hauteville, on the 19th to
Bailleulmont, on the 21st to Achiet-le-Petit, thence on the 23rd
to Dessart W.ood, 1 in the Cambrai area.
The 59th Division was then in Corps Reserve, but on the
27th the 2 /5th Lincolnshire marched to Trescault, where they
were accommodated in tents and bivouacs at the northern end of
Havrincourt Wood, the 2 /4th marching on the 28 th to Fles-
1 and Lieutenant Revill, of the 2/4th was " gassed " on 4th November, 19 17.
276
THE 2/5TH LINCOLNSHIRE [NO v. 2 9 th, r 9 x 7
quieres, where during the day they were joined by the 2 /5th
Battalion.
_ The 2 /5th took over a portion of the old Hindenburg Support
Line south-west of Flesquieres. Between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. on
the 29th, the enemy's artillery fired several shells into their
trenches, obtaining a direct hit on a shelter inside which were a
number of officers, one of whom was killed 1 and seven wounded. 8
THE BATTLE OF CAMBRAI
Between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. on the 30th of November, the
storm broke ; the enemy, after a short but intense artillery pre-
paration, attacked the right of our line on a front of some ten
miles from Vendhuille to Masnieres. The swiftness with which
the enemy's infantry followed his bombardment overwhelmed
our troops, both in front and support lines before they realised
that the attack had begun. From the southern bank of the
Scheldt Canal southwards as far as west of Vendhuille the British
1 Captain C.O.R. Jacobs (3rd Devons, attached a/jth Lincolnshire Regiment).
2 Captain T.A. Richardson, 2nd Lieutenants F.C. Stewart (4th Norfolk, attached
z/5th Lincolnshire), S. Plowman, K.A.S. Fowler, L. Mason, L.W.H. Hawkins and M.A.
Norton. Most of these wounds were, fortunately, slight.
277
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
line was over-run and the enemy penetrated as far as Gouzeau-
court and La Vacquerie, where he was held.
Meanwhile, at 9 a.m., he launched his main attack against the
Bourlon position from Fontaine-Notre Dame to Tadpole Copse.
On this front the Germans endeavoured to break through our line
by sheer weight of numbers .; in one place no less than eleven
waves of German infantry advanced successively to the assault.
The enemy's losses were enormous.
Neither the 2. /4th nor the 2 /5th Lincolnshire made any move
on the 30th November, but both battalions throughout the day
were hard at work digging trenches round Flesquieres and placing
that place generally in a state of defence in case of a break through
by the enemy. On the 1st of December, work of the trenches
was continued. On the 2nd, however, both battalions moved to
the forward trenches : the 2 /5th Battalion took over the front
line from the 2 /5th North StafFords. This line ran from the
south-eastern corner of Bourlon "Wood, just east of the Quarry,
thence in a south-easterly direction for about one thousand yards :
it consisted of a series of posts, there being no continuous trench.
The 2 /4th also moved forward, but in support, two companies
being located in the old German line north-east of Anneux and
two in the sunken road running from Graincourt.
By the 3rd of December, the Germans were held : they had
lost so heavily, and their attempts to break through on both
flanks had been a failure, so that no further attempts were made,
though here and there along the line local actions took place.
During the evening of this date, the 1 /4th Lincolnshire re-
lieved the 2 /4th Leicesters in the front line in Bourlon Wood :
they were now on the left of the 2 /5 th Lincolnshire. The latter
did not change their dispositions during the 3rd. The gas
shelling was very bad, the valley was full of gas, and Bourlon
Wood a death-trap.
The British line, north of Flesquieres now formed a dangerous
salient, and Sir Douglas Haig decided to withdraw to a more
compact line on the Flesquieres Ridge. The evacuation of
Bourlon Wood and the rest of the salient was ordered to begin
during the night of the 4th /5th of December. The new British
line corresponded roughly with the old Hindenburg Reserve
Line.
The two battalions of the Lincolnshire Regiment describe
their part in the withdrawal as follows : " In order to reduce the
salient of which our line forms a part," states the Diary of the
2 /5th, that battalion being on the right, " a withdrawal was car-
ried out to the Flesquieres Line. Pack ponies and limbers were
brought up, and ammunition and stores were removed before the
withdrawal commenced. The withdrawal was made from the
278
THE 2/ 4 th LINCOLNSHIRE [DBC . S th, i 9 i 7
left by platoons : one platoon remained behind in the centre
company's frontage to cover the withdrawal. The first company
commenced the withdrawal about 9.45 p.m. and it continued in
good order. Platoons moved independently across country to
Flesquieres and took up their allotted positions in the Flesquieres
Line. The enemy remained totally unaware of this withdrawal.
There was no fire from his artillery beyond the ordinary routine
firing of the night. The withdrawal was concluded in good
order without casualties and dispositions taken up at Flesquieres."
The 2 /5th then held a line in trenches north and north-west of
Flesquieres, two companies being in the front line and two in
support in the old Hindenburg Support Line, south of the
village.
The 2 /4th (on the left of the 2 /5th) record that " Captain
K. Howes took charge of the operations in the Wood. All
regimental stores, etc., were collected and sent down under cover
of darkness. The evacuation was carried out with precision.
One platoon of B Company, under the command of 2nd Lieu-
tenant Pepper, acted as rearguard and remained in the Wood
until 3.30 a.m. on morning of the 5th. After evacuation A and
B Companies attempted to dig in along the sunken road (L.l.d.,
i.e., east of Graincourt). Major H.G. Deane took command of
these companies. C and D Companies occupied trenches in the
Hindenburg Support Line at K.24.a.3.4. (south of Flesquieres)."
The two companies of the 2 /4th Lincolnshire and the 2 /4th
Sherwood Foresters acted as rearguard of the brigade until, on
the 6th the enemy, having by this date discovered the withdrawal,
began to advance all along the line evacuated. The rearguard then
withdrew to the old Hindenburg Support Line.
The digging-in east of Graincourt was practically impossible,
as the ground was frozen solid for about a foot or more. No
orders were received to evacuate the forward position, owing to
the difficulty of communication, until hand-to-hand fighting could
not be avoided. The small numbers in the outpost position
showed excellent spirit in a very trying situation, in spite of
casualties. Both Major Deane's batman and his runner were hit.
By the 7th of December, the withdrawal along the whole front
was complete, the enemy contenting himself by advancing and
digging small posts in front of our new line, behind which he
began a new line of trenches where old existing trenches could
not be converted to his use. Thus, so far as the Lincolnshire
Regiment was concerned, ended the Battle of Cambrai 1917.
279
THIS IS A BLANK PAGE
PART EIGHT
THE GERMAN OFFENSIVE OF 191 8
THIS IS A BLANK PAGE
J
*
THE ist & 2nd LINCOLNSHIRE [nov-dec, i 9 i 7
I
THE WINTER OF I917— 1918 TO THE EVE OF THE GERMAN OFFENSIVE
OF THE 2 IST MARCH, I918
(i) *9*7
THE ist Lincolnshire came out of the line east of
Zillebeke on the 12 th November, and after a period out
of the line entrained at Maroeuil on the 30th for Peronne,
whence it moved to front-line trenches west of Villers-Guislain,
which it held from the 9th to the 1 7th December, losing thirty-
four other ranks killed, wounded or missing. It spent Christmas
at Longavesnes, and returned to the trenches on the 29th. On
the last day of 1 9 1 7 Lieut.-Colonel E. W. Wales was in command,
and the strength of the battalion was forty-one officers (twenty
with the battalion) and six hundred and sixty other ranks.
The 2nd Lincolnshire, after its heavy losses in the Battle of
Langemarck on the 1 6th August — it came out of the line with
a total strength of less than three hundred — moved by bus to
Borre (near Hazebrouck) on the 19th, and there, on the 22nd,
Lieut.-Colonel N.M.S. Irwin, Essex Regiment, joined and took
command. The battalion did not return to the Ypres Salient
till the middle of November, spending September, October and
part of November either in the trenches about Basseville, or
Warneton (north of Armentieres), or in support, or divisional
reserve, in the neighbourhood.
On the 17 th November the battalion relieved the Royal
Canadian Regiment in the front line on the right of the brigade
sector near Passchendaele. The enemy's guns shelled the sector
unmercifully throughout the day, using large quantities of gas
shells, and when night fell the battalion had lost four other ranks
killed, 2nd Lieutenant Atkinson and thirteen other ranks
wounded, and Captain Clifton and twenty-eight other ranks
" gassed." The 1 8th saw no diminution in the enemy's shell-fire
two other ranks were killed, two officers — Lieutenants Lilley-
white and Carr — and twenty-two other ranks were wounded, and
twelve other ranks " gassed." At about 8 a.m., about one hun-
dred of the enemy attempted to leave their trenches, with the
intention of attacking, but were repulsed, by Lewis gun and
rifle-fire.
The Lincolnshire were relieved on the 19th November, but
before they got clear of the trenches three more other ranks
were killed and nine wounded. The battalion entrained at
Wieltje and reached Red Rose Camp, Vlamertinghe, after this
short, but costly, tour.
283
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
On the 2nd of December the 2nd Lincolnshire attacked the
enemy. They had returned to Machine-Gun Camp, St. Jean,
on the 29th tff November, in Divisional Support, but on the
following day marched to California Camp, Wieltje, where they
were in Brigade Reserve. On the ist, C Company paraded at
about 3.15 p.m., and set out for the trenches near Passchendaele
to relieve a company of the ist Royal Irish Rifles. The only
way to the front line was along a duck-board track, which had
been recently registered by the enemy's guns. To step off the
track was to become engulfed in deep clinging mud, and across
country the " going " was impossible. C Company had, there-
fore, to endure the shelling as best it could, with the result that
about twenty all told reached the front line and took over the two
left posts on the battalion front. An hour later the three remain-
ing companies had been detailed as assaulting troops in the
attack : some idea of the terrible nature of moving up at that
period may be gathered from the fact that it took the first com-
pany five hours to arrive at the head of the duck-board track.
The first company was in its assembly position by 10 p.m. the
last company by 12.20 a.m.
The three companies advanced to the attack at 1.55 a.m. (2nd
of December). They at once came under heavy machine-gun
fire, having been spotted by the enemy. The advance continued,
although every officer of the three assaulting companies was a
casualty before their own outpost line was reached. Finally the
advance stopped about thirty yards from the enemy's main trench
and the survivors of the three companies dug in. Here they
were relieved by two companies of the 8 th Rifle Brigade, and
moved back to camp at St. Jean.
In this attack casualties were heavy. Captain A. Cowe, Royal
Army Medical Corps (the Battalion Medical Officer), Lieutenant
R.H. Parker, and sixteen other ranks were killed, 2nd Lieutenants
B.W. Griffin (died of wounds 2nd December, 1917), Eliot,
Sowerby, Joyce, Groom, Green, Graves, Grant and Perkins, and
sixty-four other ranks were wounded and twenty-five other ranks
missing.
From St. Jean the battalion moved by train to Wizerne on the
3rd December, and thence to Boisdinghem, west of St. Omer,
where three weeks were spent, Christmas festivities being held
on the 23 rd. Towards the close of the month, the Lincolnshire
moved back again to the front line near Passchendaele.
The 1 /4th (Lieut-Colonel G.A. Yool) and 1 /5th (Lieut.-
Colonel H.A. Waring) Lincolnshire, spent five months, August
to December inclusive, in the trenches south-east of Bethune,
between Loos and the La Bassee Canal, relieving each other.
Six days in and six days out of the trenches was approximately
284
THE i /4th & i /5th LINCOLNSHIRE [nov.-dec, i 9 i 7
the rule at this period. There is an entry in the Diary of the
i /4th relieved on the night of the 3rd /4th August, in the
Hulluch-Loos sector that, as the battalion " had been working
and fighting six days and nights in water nearly up to . one's
knees, ambulances were in readiness at Mazingarbe to convey
anyone unable to walk." The St. Elie sector was taken over
from the 1 /£th on the night of the 2 2nd /23rd ; here there was
such an extensive tunnel system that it was possible to go round
most of the sub-sectors without using the trenches.
The two battalions occupied in succession, after the St. Elie
sector, Hill 70, north of Lens, about the middle of November,
and in December, Cambrin, south of the La Bassee Canal, near
Guinchy. The 1 /4th spent Christmas out of the line at Anne-
quin, but the 1 /5th were in the trenches, and the day was sad-
dened by the death of 2nd Lieutenant R.G.B. Harvey, who was
killed by the premature explosion of a rifle-grenade. The
battalion kept Christmas Day on the 28th.
On the 7th September, 2nd Lieutenant Phyphers of the 1 /4th
(having done good work on patrol two nights earlier), led a party
in a silent raid on the enemy, killing several. Six other ranks
were wounded, but were brought in safely. Lance-Corporal
Featherstone won the M.M. in this fight, which took placeon
the parapet. 2nd Lieutenant RJ. Fish, " a most promising
young officer," was shot by an enemy sentry whilst leading a
patrol to investigate the enemy's wire entanglements, when
actually in the wire, on the night of the 2 8th /29th September. _
On the 8th September, B and C Companies carried out a raid
on the enemy's trenches, south of St. Elie, where they cut the
Vermelles-Hulluch road. Captain S.C.W. Disney was in com-
mand of the raiding party, 2nd Lieutenants G.H. Quantrill,
R.C.B. Harvey, B.G. English and H.E. Hawkeswood command-
ing the right-front, right-rear, left-front and left-rear parties
respectively. One hundred other ranks " went over " with
great dash, and entered the enemy's trenches, but found he had
evacuated his two front lines, probably warned by the prelimin-
ary bombardment. Captain Disney was reported to have con-
ducted the raid with considerable ability, and Company-Sergeant-
Major A.C. Needham, Sergeant H. Lewis, Corporal J. Austin,
and Private C. Weckles were mentioned for conspicuous gal-
lantry. Two other ranks killed, sixteen wounded, and three
missing were the casualties.
A gallant exploit was carried out by 2nd Lieutenant Simpson
and Private J.T. Tilley, of D Company, 1 /5th. At 3.30 p.m.,
the 1st November, they crawled out of the trenches, over a crater,
to a post in the enemy's front line, known to be occupied at night.
They removed the bombs in it and returned to their own line.
285
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
About 4.30 p.m., they went out again accompanied by Lance-
Corporal J. Dixon and took up a position close to the post, 2nd
Lieutenant Simpson reconnoitring to make sure their visit had
not been detected. About 5.45 p.m., six Germans entered the
post. Private Tilley opened fire, 2nd Lieutenant Simpson
charged in, firing his revolver, followed by Lance-Corporal
Dixon and Private Tilley. Three Germans were killed, the
other fled, one being wounded. Our party returned with valu-
able identifications. 2nd Lieutenant Simpson was awarded the
M.C., and Lance-Corporal Dixon and Private Tilley the D.C.M.
for their gallantry.
Sergeant J. Mountain was awarded the M.M. for bringing
in the dead body of a German from No Man's Land on the 2nd
November, under heavy machine-gun fire, and obtaining an
identification of great importance. On the nth December the
enemy used gas projectors, firing them in four groups of one
hundred each, and Lieutenant Stevens and eight other ranks
were gassed, two of whom died. Corporal W. Vassey and
Privates W. Allen and W. Robinson were awarded the M.M.
They had behaved with great gallantry during the bombardment,
and also repulsed a raid on a post.
On the night of the 1 3th December Private H. Goss (attached
138th Trench-Mortar Battery) behaved with great gallantry and
presence of mind. He was firing a Stokes mortar, when he
noticed that the lever of one of the Stokes bombs had been
knocked off, causing the fuze to burn, which would explode the
bomb in twelve seconds. He placed it in the mortar intending
to fire it, but the cartridge misfired, and the bomb remained in
the mortar with the fuze still burning. Goss quickly raised the
base of the mortar, caught the bomb as it slid from the muzzle
and threw it out of the emplacement, when it exploded. Goss
was awarded the D.C.M. and later the Croix de Guerre. His
prompt action undoubtedly saved several lives, as well as pre-
serving the emplacement and the mortar, both of which would
have been wrecked.
Of the 2 /4th and 2 /5th Lincolnshire from the 7th to the 3 1st
of December there is little to be said, with the exception that both
battalions when in the front line in the Flesquieres salient were
continually hard at work consolidating and organizing the new
defences. The enemy was similarly engaged, and shell-fire and
machine-gunning was almost the chief form of activity by the
opposing sides.
The 2 /4th moved to Rocquigny on the 23rd of December,
and on Christmas Day moved to Bapaume, where they entrained
for Tinques, marching, on arrival at the latter place, to billets
in Maizieres. Christmas was celebrated on the 30th.
286
THE 6th & 7th LINCOLNSHIRE [nov.-dec, i 9i7
The 2 /5th record the enemy's guns active on the 22nd, when
2nd Lieutenant H.W, Wright and six other ranks were wounded.
On coming out of the line on the 22nd/23rd they also moved to
Rocquigny, Bapaume and Tinques, but on arrival at the latter
village they marched to billets in Ambrines.
From the dreary waste of water-logged country and shell-holes
near Pheasant Farm, north-east of Ypres, the 6th Lincolnshire,
having moved out of the line on the ioth/i ith of October, en-
trained at Irish Farm for Watten. Thence motor buses carried
the battalion to Nortieulinghem. The Lincolnshire had cleaned,
up and were settling down to a good training programme,
when orders were received to move south to trenches in the Lens
area. The battalion entrained at Watten on the 1 9th and arrived
the same day at Lillers, marching thence to Ecquedecques. On
the 22nd the 6th Lincolnshire took over front-line trenches in
the Auguste sector (east of Loos). The trenches were in a bad
state, but by constant and careful work were gradually improved.
On the 1st of November, Lieut.-Colonel G.H. Gater, who had
been appointed to command the 62nd Infantry Brigade, re-
linquished command to the great regret of all ranks of the
battalion. He was succeeded by Lieut.-Colonel G.T. Bruce
(Glamorganshire Yeomanry). The 33rd Brigade was relieved
on the 22nd December, and the 6th Lincolnshire went to
Vaudricourt.
The 7th Lincolnshire, having reached Proven on the 8 th of
November, spent five days in ca'mp and then moved, first by rail
to Soult Camp, Elverdinghe, in Divisional Reserve. The
enemy's aircraft were busy dropping bombs and there were
casualties in the battalion, amongst whom was 2nd Lieutenant
F.T. Pritchard, who was killed on the 15th. Another move
took place on the 19th, when the Lincolnshire marched to
Huddleston Camp, near St. Julien : they were now in Brigade
Reserve. Front-line trenches from Turenne Crossing to Gravel
Farm were taken over on the 2 2nd /23rd, but the tour lasted only
four days, and on the 2 5th /26th, having been relieved^ the
battalion marched to Boesinghe and entrained for International
Corner (Dragon Camp).
The 1 7th Division was, however, ear-marked for the Somme,
and on the 13th December the 7th Lincolnshire (then at Nor-
tieulinghem) marched to Wizernes (near St. Omer), and en-
trained for Bapaume, whence they moved to Barastre. Their
first tour in support trenches was north of Havrincourt Wood,
where they occupied the old British front line near Trescault.
On Christmas Day they relieved the South Staffords in the
front line— then the old Hindenburg Support Line, which had
been adapted to form front-line trenches. The enemy's shell-
287
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
fire was desultory, but on the 28 th the battalion had several
casualties, 2nd Lieutenant T.M. Sharpe and nine other ranks
being wounded and three other ranks killed. On the 30th they
were relieved, and moved back to billets at Bertincourt in Divi-
sional Reserve, The Germans must have been busy shelling the
back areas with gas shells, for the final entry in the Battalion
Diary for December is as follows : " Major T.A. Peddie,
Captain H. Sargent, Captain W.H. Parsons, Major W.H.
Godby wounded at duty (gassed), and two other ranks."
In the rest camp at Kemmel the 8 th Lincolnshire rested and
trained for four days before going into the front line on the 10th
October in the Tower Hamlets sector. On this date Lieut-
Colonel D. Davies-Evans handed over command of the battalion
to Major the Hon. R.T. St. John and proceeded to England.
The records of the 8 th Battalion until the end of the year
contain no incidents of importance. Much work was done out
of the front line by large working parties. In the line things
were generally quiet. This battalion also spent Christmas
Day in the front line. On Boxing Day the enemy shelled the
back areas heavily with gas shells, but no damage was done to
the front line. On the 29th December the Lincolnshire were
relieved and moved back to Tournai Camp.
The 10th Lincolnshire, after being relieved from the Korte-
beek Line on the 24th October, marched to Huddleston Camp,
where they spent the night. The following morning they en-
trained for Proven, where three days were spent in cleaning
up. Like the 7th Lincolnshire, the 10th Battalion was ear-
marked for a move to the Somme, and entrained at Peselhoek on
the 28th October.
On the 1st of November, the 10th Lincolnshire moved to
Boisleux St. Marc for a short period of training before going
into the front line east of Cherisy, where the line was com-
paratively quiet.
Casualties during the month were four other ranks killed,
fifty-two wounded and six missing.
On the 9th of December considerable increase in hostile
movement in the enemy's rear areas, combined with the report
that many more German batteries were observed, caused special
precautions to be taken against a surprise attack, all four com-
panies of the 10th Lincolnshire being placed in the front system.
No attack on the 34th Division materialised, but on the 12th the
Division on the right was attacked.
On the 22nd of December Christmas was celebrated in Brigade
Reserve in Durham Lines. On the 27th the brigade again took
over the front-line trenches, on this occasion in the Fontaine
sector, and the 10th Battalion was billeted in the neighbourhood
288
A CHANGE IN ORGANIZATION [ FEB ., I9I g
of Croisilles ; the last day of the year saw them in the trenches
again, which, owing to the hard frost, were now in very good
condition.
Thus ended the year 19 17 — a year during which the British
Army bore upon its shoulders the lion's share of the heavy
fighting in France and Flanders.
II
THE EVE OF THE GREAT GERMAN OFFENSIVE
The second half of the winter of 19 17-19 18, i.e., from the
1st of January to the third week of March was not unlike the
first — miserable weather conditions, making life in the trenches
a hard existence. The previous year had ended with the British
Armies in France and Flanders greatly exhausted and the flow
of reinforcements had almost ceased : the French Army had
also lost heavily and was only recovering with difficulty. Russia
had collapsed and, being in a state of revolution, gave no assis-
tance to the Allied cause ; America, with tens of thousands of
men in training, could not place her Army in the field for several
months. On the other hand, the German Armies on the Western
Front, reinforced by numerous divisions drawn from the east,
were in a stronger position than ever and signs were not wanting
that the enemy would soon launch a great offensive.
The 1st Lincolnshire records the coming of the New Year in
the following words : " The first day of 191 8 found the bat-
talion holding part of the British front opposite the village of
Villers-Guislain and north of the village of Epehy. The fighting
strength of the battalion on this date was seventeen officers and
three hundred and ninety-nine other ranks. The weather con-
tinued to be extremely severe but dry."
Lieut-Colonel L.P. Evans, V.C., left the battalion to take
over command of the 1st Battalion Black Watch (his own
Regiment) on the 13th, all ranks being extremely sorry to lose
him. He had, as the records state, "left an imperishable
memory behind him." On the 24th Lieut.-Colonel B.D. Fisher
(the 17th Lancers) assumed command of the battalion, Major
E.W. Wales taking over the duties of second-in-command.
In February a great change took place in the organization of
the British Army. Under orders from the Army Council, Divi-
sions were reduced from thirteen to ten battalions, each infantry
brigade being formed of three battalions, the tenth battalion
becoming divisional pioneers. Some battalions were disbanded
v 289
HISTORY "OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
altogether or reduced to training cadres and several divisions
disappeared from the active list.
The 62nd Brigade (21st Division) was re-formed on the 3rd
of February, and from that date consisted of the 1st and 2nd
Battalions of the Lincolnshire Regiment and the 3rd /4th Queen's
(Royal West Surrey) Regiment. The 1st Battalion was then at
Moislains, the 2nd Battalion arriving at the same place at 5 a.m.
on the 4th. During the war there were very few instances of
1st and 2nd Battalions of a regiment serving in the same brigade,
and the Lincolnshire were delighted at the change.
The official despatches record the difficulties which these
changes entailed : new methods in the tactical handling of
troops had to be introduced, and to accustom subordinate com-
manders to these changed conditions was difficult, owing to the
large amount of work which had become increasingly necessary
on the defensive works. The expectation of a great hostile
attack made the construction of new lines of defence behind the
front-line system essential, and men could not be spared to go
through the necessary training when out of the line.
The diaries of all units, therefore — certainly of those on the
Somme in the early part of 1918-T-contain many references to
the supplying of large working parties. In particular, the
diaries of the 1st Lincolnshire for February 1 convey the im-
pression that, though some training was carried out, work on
the defences occupied at least half the time when out of the front
line. The last day of the month found the 1st Lincolnshire
moving into the forward trenches again in their old sector near
Epehy.
The first entry in the diary of the 1st Lincolnshire for March
brings to the fore at once the dramatic happenings of that month :
"Owing to the Diary and records from March 1st to 21st
having been captured by the enemy, a general review between
these dates is given."
The final entry in the diary before the great attack is described
as " from information received from higher authority, an attack
was considered imminent, the most probable date being the
20th or 21st."
The 2nd Lincolnshire commenced the New Year in muddy,
water-logged trenches near Passchendaele. On the night of
the 1 8th /19th the battalion marched to Wieltje and entrained
for Abeele, moving thence by motor buses to Watou, where,
on the 29th January the 2nd Lincolnshire was ordered to join
the 21st Division and their arrival is reported in the 62nd
Brigade Diary on the 4th of February. The battalion then went
1 Only one officer casualty is recorded for the month : Captain B.C. Dawe was found
dead on the rifle range on the 14th. It was presumed he met his death by accident.
29O
THE i/ 4 th LINCOLNSHIRE [jan. * 9 th, 1918
into billets at Haut Allaines. On the 28th the brigade relieved
the 117th Brigade in the Chapel Hill-Vaucellette Farm sector,
the 2nd Lincolnshire being in support.
The battalion, after joining its new Division, occupied the
left sub-sector of the brigade area ; A Company taking over
Chapel Trench and Fives Trench, C Company Racket Trench,
Skittle Alley and Birchwood Loop, with B and D Companies in
support ; little happened until the night of the 1 8th /19th, when
the battalion raided the enemy. 1
A party of two officers and sixty other ranks, under 2nd
Lieutenant F.C. Harper, carried out the raid against a strong
point in Beet Trench held by the enemy. The raid was a great
success, at least twenty-three Germans being killed and five taken
prisoner and brought back, from whom most important identifica-
tions were obtained. The raiders had one officer and six other
ranks wounded and one man missing.
The officer commanding the raid — 2nd Lieutenant Harper —
was awarded the M.C., Corporal G. Barker the D.C.M., and
Corporal S. Vickers, Lance-Corporal A. Osborne and Privates
T. Hardy, J. Deeks, W. Towers and F. Leary the M.M.
The 1 /4th Lincolnshire held their Christmas Dinner in
Beuvry on the 3rd of January : they relieved the 1 /5th in the
front line on the 7th south of the La Bassee Canal. The trenches
held were in bad condition, but fortunately the tour was com-
paratively short.
_At Busnes, on the 24th January, the battalion was acquainted
with the drastic reorganization of the Army. " In each
brigade," records the Diary, " one battalion is to be disbanded,
and no outsider can appreciate the gloom that is cast over the
battalion when we hear that we are to make the sacrifice."
The 1 /4th was to be divided as follows : Battalion Head-
quarters, twelve officers and two hundred other ranks to the
2 /4th Battalion, and twelve officers and two hundred and fifty
other ranks to the 2 /5th Battalion. Most of the officers of the
1 /4th had joined the battalion since the war, but there were still
numbers of warrant officers and men who had served in no other
battalion and could look back on years of camp training in pre-
war days. It was a sad business.
The actual breaking up began on the 29th, when the party
detailed to join the 2 /5th Lincolnshire, then at Ambrines, left
Busnes. The Commanding Officer (Lieut.-Colonel G.A. Yool),
Adjutant, Quartermaster and nine other officers with two hundred
other ranks joined the 2 /4th Lincolnshire, with whom they were
to amalgamate and form the 4th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment.
1 Lieut-Colonel N.M.S. Irwin relinquished command of the battalion on the 21st
of February and Lieut.-Colonel E.P. Lloyd assumed command.
29I
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
The Commanding Officer of the i /5th (Lieut.-Colonel H.A.
Watkins) called for a voluntary parade to give the 1 /4th a send-
off, which every available man attended. " The spirit which
prompted this voluntary parade to see us off was very_ much
appreciated, demonstrating as it did the splendid feeling of
kinship which" has always existed between us and our sister
battalion, a feeling which the two colonels had always done their
best to foster." {Battalion Diary 1 \\th Lincolnshire ', January
1918.)
Thus the 1 /4th Lincolnshire left the 46th Division.
The 1 /5th began the year in the Cambrin sector, and on the
20th of March the battalion was at Sailly La Bourse, 1 in
support.
The 2 /5th Lincolnshire were out of the line at Maizieres,
engaged in training, when they were informed of the impending
change. On the 30th Lieut.-Colonel Yool, with other officers
of the 1 /4th Battalion arrived. On the 31st the reorganization
began, the Diary stating that " the battalion from the date of the
amalgamation will be called the 4th Battalion Lincolnshire
Regiment." Lieut.-Colonel T.H.S. Swanton, who had pre-
viously commanded the 2 /4th, became second-in-command of the
new 4th Battalion.
On the 9 th of February the battalion left Maizieres for Barly,
then via Hendecourt and Boiry to Hamelincourt.
The 59th Division relieved the 40th in the front line on the
13th, the 177th Brigade taking over the Bullecourt sector, the
4th Lincolnshire going into camp at Mory 1'Abbaye.
The front-line trenches were immediately east of Bullecourt
and overlooked Riencourt. On the 2nd of March the battalion
was ordered to raid two hostile posts and obtain an identification.
A raiding party of forty other ranks, with Captain H. Ward,
who was to train them, and 2nd Lieutenant H.R. Greenwood to
lead, then proceeded to Mory Camp to prepare.
The operation took place on the night of the 5th /6th. The
raiders entered the German posts, but the time taken to explode
Bangalore torpedoes beneath the enemy's wire warned the latter
and the posts were found empty.
Two other attempts by Lieutenant J.R. Neave and six scouts
on the 13 th and 14th to enter the hostile posts were similarly
unsuccessful in obtaining an identification. During the second
attempt Private W.H. Evans's brave conduct won for him the
M.M.
The Diary of the 4th Battalion for March contains many
references to the prevailing feeling that the enemy was preparing
for a great offensive. A German deserter, taken on the 10th,
1 Three and a half miles south-east of Bethune.
29a
LINCOLNSHIRE MOVEMENTS [jan.-mar., i 9I 8
reported that a great attack was to take place on the 13th, but
nothing materialised.
On the 20th the 4th Battalion was in Mory Camp and " stood
to " during the morning " in view of the expected enemy
For the whole of January the 2 /5th were out of the line in
training at Ambrines. On the 29th their Diary records the
arrival of two hundred and sixty other ranks and twelve officers
from the 1 /4th Lincolnshire. The battalion was now very
strong, and at the conclusion of their seven weeks' training, which
ended on the 9th February, was well equipped with men in good
condition and a good proportion of Lewis guns, bombers, rifle-
grenadiers, etc.
On the 9th February the battalion marched to Gouy-en-Artois
and billeted for the night. The march was continued during
the 10th, nth and 12th, the Lincolnshire reaching Bullecourt
on the latter date. They then relieved the 20th Middlesex in
the front line. The guns of both sides were continually active,
but the enemy's infantry was extraordinarily inactive and rarely
showed themselves.
On the 20th of February there is a statement that the Germans
were using gas shells. This is the earliest mention of a new kind
of insidious gas which the enemy used before his offensive with
the idea of thinning out our line. In some parts of the line, gas
casualties were extremely heavy and the righting strength of
divisions was greatly affected.
The 2 /5th were with the 4th in Divisional Reserve in Mory
on the eve of the German offensive.
In Vaudricourt the 6th Lincolnshire continued their training
until the 24th of January, when the 33rd Brigade took over the
Hulluch sector and the battalion moved into support trenches.
Trench warfare was normal, though here also the enemy used
the new gas, the action of which is thus described : " No imme-
diate effects observed, but after forty-eight hours men developed
lachrymation of the eyes and slight bronchitis." In one com-
pany alone there were sixty-one casualties. The 6th Battalion
was in billets on the 20th of March.
The 7th Lincolnshire (51st Brigade, 17th Division) from the
ist of January to the third week in March held front-line trenches
on the northern flank of the Flesquieres salient, where, subse-
quently, the heaviest attacks fell ; the 7th Lincolnshire being
then in Hermies, holding the defences of that place.
Three tours in the front-line trenches (i^th-^oth February,
25th February~ist March, and 9th-i3th March), all in the same
sector, Tower Hamlets-Dumbarton Lakes, sum up the activities
of the 8th Lincolnshire (63rd Brigade, 37th Division) in trench
293
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
warfare from the 1st of January to the 20th of March. Casual-
ties were small. On the 20th of March the battalion was in
support in Canada Tunnels.
In the second week in March references to the impending
attack first appear in the diary of the 1 oth Lincolnshire : " Corps
summaries lead one to suppose that the long-advertised German
offensive may take place any day." On the 17th and 18th the
tension became marked. The battalion was then holding the
front line north-east of Croisilles. These two days were spent
in anticipation and in improving the defences. The prevailing
opinion of the 10th Lincolnshire was : " hold very strong
tactical position and all feel confident. Hun cannot penetrate
defences on our immediate front." The battalion was relieved
on the 1 9th, and went into reserve trenches near Boiry-Becque-
relle.
On the 1 8th or 19th two Germans belonging to a trench-
mortar company deserted and gave not only the date of the
impending great offensive, but also the extent of the attack :
the enemy had fixed " 2 1st March as his ' Zero ' day."
Ill
THE GREAT GERMAN OFFENSIVE OF I918 : THE FIRST BATTLES OF
THE SOMME, I918, 2 1 ST MARCH-5TH APRIL
(i) The Battle of St. Quentin : iist—i^rd March
(See map p. 298)
The night of the 20th /21st of March which preceded the
great German attack was extraordinarily peaceful. Tension in
the front-line trenches had for several days and nights been
almost unbearable — there was an uncanny feeling of something
in the air thus described in a battalion diary : " Added to a
certain apprehension difficult to diagnose there is a general
restlessness all round."
At least sixty-four German divisions 1 took part in the attacks
on the 2 1 st March, on a front of about fifty-four miles. To meet
these, the Third Army (Byng) had eight divisions in the line, and
seven in reserve. The Fifth Army (Gough) had eleven divisions
in the line, and three infantry divisions and three cavalry divisions
in reserve. The total on the original battle front, on our side,
was, therefore, nineteen divisions in the line, and ten infantry
divisions and three cavalry divisions in reserve.
The area of the German offensive spread northwards on the
x This considerably exceeded the number of British divisions in France and Flanders.
294
POSITION OF 2 1 st DIVISION [ MAR . «st, i 9i8
2,8 th March, until seventy-three German divisions were engaged
against our Third and Fifth Armies and right of the First Army,
opposed at first by twenty-two infantry divisions in the line and
twelve and three cavalry divisions in close reserve {Ties-patch of the
loth July, 191 8, para. 12), on a front of about sixty-three
miles.
The German plan of attack was to strike at the Fifth Army
from between La Fere and Villers-Guislain, and at the Third
Army from Moeuvres to Croisilles, leaving the Flesquie
Salient to be pinched off by the inner flanks of the two attacks
which were to join hands when the Salient had disappeared.
To meet this attack the Fifth and Third British Armies
extended from our junction with the French just south of Barisis
to south of Gavrelle — a front of sixty-nine miles.
Four sectors are of particular interest to the Lincolnshire
Regiment, (i) just east of Epehy and at the southern point of the
Flesquieres Salient, (ii) between Flesquieres and the Canal du
Nord, the northern portion of the Salient, (iii) Bullecourt, and
(iv) Croisilles. These four sectors of the line, held respectively
by the 21st, 17th, 59th and 34th Divisions, saw some of the
heaviest fighting during the early stages of the German attack.
Shortly before 5 a.m. (Despatch of the 20th July, i^\%,para. 13)
on the 2 1st of March the enemy opened a bombardment of great
intensity, using gas and high-explosive shells from guns of every
calibre, as well as from trench-mortars, against practically the
whole British line from the Oise to the Scarpe Rivers ; roads and
communications behind the front line being also swept by the
enemy's artillery-fire.
For four hours the bombardment continued and our outpost
line, front line and support trenches were subjected to a merciless
pounding. Then, at about 9.45 a.m. (Despatch of the 10th
July, 191 8, para. 13), the German infantry advanced.
A thick fog hung over the whole battlefield, whichhid the
approach of the enemy from our outpost line, which in many
places was overwhelmed before it had a chance of putting up a
fight.
The 2 1 st Division held a line south of the Flesquieres Salient,
which included Epehy, Peiziere, Vaucellette Farm and Chapel
Crossing. Of the two brigades which held the front line, i.e.,
1 10th on the right and 62nd on the left, the 1st Lincolnshire of
the latter were in trenches which ran from Birchwood Copse, on
the right, to Chapel Street, on the left. The Wood was three
hundred yards north-east of Vaucellette Farm and Chapel Street,
the same distance north of the Villers-Guislain-Heudicourtroad.
One company (C) of the 2nd Lincolnshire, with two tanks, held
Chapel Hill in rear of the front line, and for the defence of which
2 95
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
Lieut.-Colonel B.D. Fisher, the Officer Commanding ist
Lincolnshire, was responsible.
The first report that reached Battalion Headquarters ist
Lincolnshire at 10 a.m. was to the effect that the Germans had
broken through between Vaucellette Farm and Andrew Street,
and a few minutes later, through the fog, we saw their leading
infantry surround and actually lead away as prisoners the Com-
manding Officer and the personnel of the Headquarters of another
battalion whose Headquarters in a sunken road were about two
hundred yards from our own Battalion Headquarters. On this
THE FOG LIFTS
the Battalion Headquarters moved fighting up Chapel Hill, and,
eventually, with elements of the 2nd Lincolnshire, formed a de-
fensive flank along the southern edge of Genin Well Copse No. 2.
It was a near shave, but thanks to a very efficient look-out man at
the top of the steps of the Battalion Headquarters dug-out, who
spotted the German infantry advancing, and at once gave the
alarm, we had a couple of minutes' warning, and were able to
get away practically intact.
When the. fog lifted, mounted officers could be distinctly seen
advancing with the German infantry, and one in particular on a
white horse was actually shot by a man of the i st Battalion. An
unusual number of German stretcher-bearers were also seen, and
it was eventually realised that these stretchers were being used
for the purpose of bringing up ammunition.
296
THE ist & 2nd LINCOLNSHIRE [MAR . «st, i 9 is
Owing to the dense fog which prevailed for many hours during
the early morning, a great number of machine-guns, defending
the battalion sector, and firing on fixed lines, expended all, or
nearly all, their ammunition, with the result that when the fog
cleared, and the Germans became plainly visible, these guns were
useless to the defence.
Throughout the day things were precarious, and at times
critical, but the two front-line companies stood firm, and their
trenches at the end of the day, except in one or two unimportant
places were practically intact. Communication with Brigade
Headquarters from the commencement of the bombardment was
non-existent, except by runners : after dark a message was re-
ceived from the Brigade Commander to say that the battalion
" had done magnificently, and had saved the situation."
It was not until 8 a.m. on the morning of 22nd March that
the relief by the South African Scottish was completed, and the
battalion was safely back in Pioneer Camp at Heudicourt.
The 2nd Battalion received orders at 5.45 a.m. to " man battle
positions." C Company was then under the orders of the Officer
Commanding, left sector front line (Officer Commanding ist
Lincolnshire). The other three companies, A, B, and D,
marched to the railway cutting to their position in the Yellow
Line, i.e., about one thousand yards west of Vaucellette Farm.
Thick fog and heavy gas shelling made that movement exceed-
ingly difficult, nevertheless, companies were established in their
positions by 7 a.m., and maintained them throughout the day.
At about 1 2 noon a party of the enemy, under cover of a sunken
road, succeeded in getting round the left flank of the battalion.'
Battalion Headquarters spotted the Germans and with a gun
team of the Machine-Gun Battalion opened fire, killing a number
of the enemy : the remainder (about fifty) then surrendered to
the Lincolnshire.
On the northern point of the Flesquieres Salient the Germans
opened their bombardment at 4.50 and at 5 a.m. extended north
along the front of the 17th and 51st Divisions. A little later
Hermies was also under heavy shell-fire, the enemy using large
quantities of phosgene gas shells.
The 52nd Brigade, on the right, and 50th Brigade, on the left,
held the 17th Divisional front, the 51st Brigade being then
located in the Hermies defences. The 7th Lincolnshire were,
therefore, not in the front line when the great attack opened.
The battalion manned battle positions which consisted of trenches
extending round the eastern, northern and north-western exits
of Hermies, the order of companies being D, C and B (from right
to left), with A 'in reserve.
The gas shelling slackened at about 1 1 a.m., otherwise the
297
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
bombardment lasted all day, causing casualties : 2nd Lieutenant
W.J. Hirons and three other ranks were killed and 2nd Lieu-
tenant Harrison and ten other ranks wounded.
The 2 1 st thus passed without the 7th Lincolnshire coming in
contact with the enemy's infantry. But the 22nd was likely to
be a day of trial for the battalion, for during the night of the 2 1st /
22nd a patrol, consisting of an officer and a platoon of A Company
patrolling north and north-west of Hermies, captured two
Germans, and ascertained that most of Doignies, some two
thousand yards north-west of Hermies, was already in the hands
of the enemy : the prospects of heavy righting on the 22nd were,
therefore, practically certain.
The enemy's attack fell with great fury on the four divisions
on the left of the 17th, i.e., 51st, 6th, 59th and 34th (right to
298
THE 4 th & 2/5TH LINCOLNSHIRE [MA r. „st, i 9 i8
left). He was endeavouring to cut off the troops in the Flesquieres
Salient (attacked only lightly) from the north as he had attempted
from the south.
The 176th Brigade of the 59th Division was holding the right,
and the 1 78 th the left of the Divisional front line when the attack
opened : the 177th Brigade was in reserve, the 4th and 2 /5th
Lincolnshire being in Mory Camp.
At 5 a.m., owing to the violent bombardment of the front line,
both battalions were ordered to " stand to." Breakfasts were
hurried on and were only partially eaten when orders came to
move immediately with other units of the brigade across country
in artillery formation to their alloted positions in the support line
third system, which ran just east of the Vraucourt-St. Leger road.
The 4th Lincolnshire had the 2 /5th on their right front and 4th
Leicesters on their left front.
All three battalions lay in these positions until noon : the
noise from the continued roar of bursting shells could be heard,
but nothing was to be seen owing to the mist.
At 12 noon the 2/j"th Lincolnshire and 4th Leicesters were
ordered to occupy the second-system trenches, the 4th Lincoln-
shire to remain in reserve in the third system. But the two lead-
ing battalions, on passing the third-system trenches, discovered
that the enemy had over-run the Ecoust Ridge and was already
occupying the second system. Indeed, his troops were climbing
over the ridge in large numbers, and before the 2 /5th Lincoln-
shire could extend, three companies were cut off, and the brigade
narrative states : " What happened to these companies is not
known, as they were never seen again."
The remaining company took up position in the front line of
the third system, with the 4th Lincolnshire on the left and 4th
Leicesters on the left of the 4th Lincolnshire.
The enemy's machine-gun fire was terrific : his troops carried
large numbers of guns. The enemy's plan of attack appeared
to be the capture of all high ground from which he could enfilade
our line, right and left.
The third system, in which the Lincolnshire were located, was
merely a line of split-blocked trenches, affording little or no
cover. Tools were, therefore, collected from a neighbouring
dump and the men dug themselves in with a will
No change, apparently, took place in the position during the
remainder of the 21st
The 10th Lincolnshire, of the 103rd Brigade (34th Division)
were lying in old trenches three hundred yards south-east of
Boiry Becquerelle on the night of the 20th /21st of March and
were shelled early on the morning of the 2 1st. It was hot until
2.50 p.m., however, that the battalion received orders to move
299
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
as the enemy was reported to have broken through Bullecourt
and Ecoust, had over-run Bunhill Row, and were advancing on
Croisilles. C Company was moved to Henin Hill and the re-
mainder of the battalion took up positions south and west of
Croisilles, with Battalion Headquarters in a sunken road between
that village and St. Leger. At midnight the dispositions of the
battalion were, therefore, on a north-west to south-east line,
between Croisilles and St. Leger : the 9th Northumberland
Fusiliers were on the right of the 10th Lincolnshire and troops
of the 102nd Brigade on the left.
The night of the 2 1 st ji 2 nd passed comparatively quietly : the
enemy's infantry was as tired as ours : his guns were apparently
moving up while ours were moving back : for no one doubted
that dawn the following morning would see a renewal of the
great struggle.
On the morning of the 22nd thick mist again covered the
battlefield, once again hiding the enemy from our troops, who
were trying to watch his movements.
It was not until 1 2 noon that the enemy renewed his attacks
upon the 2nd Lincolnshire (the 1st Battalion being then at
Pioneer Camp, on the Heudicourt-Saulcourt road). At that
hour the battalion received orders to withdraw to a line south of
Heudicourt, as Epehy had fallen and in consequence the right
flank was in danger. But before the battalion could get clear
from the enemy, A and D Companies became involved against
overwhelming numbers and lost severely. The survivors then
re-formed just north of Heudicourt and awaited orders. About
5 p.m. the situation again became critical : the enemy in great
strength was closing in on the village from the right rear and left
flank, and orders were received to withdraw to the Green Line,
which ran along the eastern side of Gurlu Wood (south of Nurlu).
Then ensued a rearguard action. Pressed hard by the enemy
and harassed by hostile aeroplanes which swooped down and
machine-gunned the sorely-tried Lincolnshire, the gallant sur-
vivors of the Regiment nevertheless put up a fine fight as they
fell back over open downland country, which offered little or no
cover.
An officer (Major E.P. Lloyd) of the battalion stated : " The
characteristics of our men can seldom have been more clearly
shown than in this situation. Although being driven back by
vastly superior numbers, with flanks and rear threatened, and
with no prospect of immediate help, there was no semblance of
panic, the men withdrawing in good order, fighting stubbornly
and taking every opportunity of inflicting casualties on the
advancing enemy."
Relief came only when darkness had fallen over the battlefield,
300
THE ist & 2nd LINCOLNSHIRE [mar. 23 rd, i 9 is
for the enemy ceased his attacks and the little band of Lincoln-
shire — there were only eighty men left — inarched back to their
allotted position at Gurlu Wood. Worn out as were all ranks,
touch had to be gained with troops on the flank, the defences re-
organized and improved, ammunition replenished, rations ob-
tained and distributed, and the first streaks of dawn of the 23rd
shot across the sky before all these duties were completed.
Similarly, the ist Battalion, having first manned the Brown
Line to enable troops from the Yellow Line to pass through,
received orders to fall back to the Green Line west of Aziecourt-
le-Bas later in the afternoon. Fierce fighting took place during
that retirement : every foot of ground was contested and the
enemy paid dearly for his gains.
Dusk was falling when the Green Line was reached. There
were roughly one hundred and ten men of the battalion to hold
two thousand yards of front allotted. The line had only been
split-locked. The wire had been placed behind the line twenty
or thirty yards up the hill. There was no wire in front. A
support line did not exist. The night was very cold and few of
the men got any sleep, tired out though they were. The com-
ments on the condition of the line were very bitter and justified.
As anticipated, the 7th Lincolnshire of the 17th Division
(north of the Flesquieres Salient) were actively engaged on the
22nd. About 9.45 a.m. the enemy was observed attacking troops
of the 51st Division, on the left of the 17th. B Company and
part of C were holding the defensive flank north-west of Hermies,
the remainder of C Company and D acting as supports on the
Demicourt road.
As the Germans advanced to the attack these companies caught
them in enfilade and mowed them down. Three successive
waves were thus dealt with and hundreds of Germans were lying
in heaps — killed or wounded. The slaughter was prodigious.
But gradually the enemy's numbers began to tell: he was
getting nearer to Hermies, his troops having occupied the con-
nection of the Hermies-Lurgan Switch Line on the 51st Divi-
sional front. He then began working his way down the trench
to within bombing distance of the Quarry. B Company then
organized a counter-bombing attack and drove the enemy out
of bombing range.
No retirement of the 7th Lincolnshire took place during the
22nd : the battalion all day had good targets and Lewis gun
and rifle-fire was opened on the enemy with excellent results.
Dawn of the 22nd found the survivors of the 2 /5th Lincoln-
shire (five officers, including the Commanding Officer, and about
eighty n.c.o.s and men) in the third-system support line
north-west of Vraucourt.
301
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
The morning and early afternoon passed without any attack
being made on the line held by the 1 77th Brigade. But about
4 p.m. masses of Germans could be seen swarming round the far
side of Vraucourt, turning the right of the 4th Lincolnshire, who
were forced to withdraw to the Army Line in front of Mory,
The remnants of the 1 /5th Battalion also fell back to this line
and, with the 2 /4th Leicesters on the left, the three battalions
of the brigade dug in, tired and worn out as they were.
At about 8 p.m. an officer from the 2 /4th Leicesters arrived
at Battalion Headquarters, 2 /5th Lincolnshire, in a breathless
condition : he had been sent by his Commanding Officer to say
that the division on his left had been driven back and that the
enemy had turned the flank of the Leicesters, and was almost in
Mory. This was very soon evident, for both the Leicesters and
2 /fth and 4th Lincolnshire were being fired at from both front
and rear. So once again a retirement was necessary.
" Though the men were becoming very tired they fought
every inch of the way and obeyed all the orders of their officers
and n.c.o.s in a most exemplary and cheerful manner."
{Battalion Diary, if$th Lincolnshire.)
All three battalions of the 177th Brigade then fell back to
positions south-west and west of Mory and patrols were sent out,
but found the enemy had penetrated the village in considerable
numbers. During the night B Company of the 4th Lincolnshire
occupied the southern edge of Mory and held up the enemy with
almost continuous Lewis gun and rifle-fire. The Leicesters also,
holding the western outskirts of the village drove back the enemy
in hand-to-hand fighting.
It will be remembered that during the night of the 2ist/22nd
March the 10th Lincolnshire, with the 9th Northumberland
Fusiliers on their right and troops of the lorst Brigade on their
left, had taken up positions in the third system about half-way
between St. Leger and Croisilles.
At 3 a.m. (22nd) orders were received to move one company
of the 10th Lincolnshire to Croisilles Switch North, i.e., west of
Croisilles : the move was carried out forthwith.
Fighting began on the left flank at about 7 a.m., when the
enemy attempted to push up from the south-east against the
Switch. Time after time he was driven back, but just as per-
sistently returned to the attack. At 9 a.m. the Officer Com-
manding company, in the Switch, reported that a pioneer com-
pany of the 102nd Brigade had been driven out of the trench
and had retired towards Hill Switch (west and north-west).
Fruitless efforts were made by the Pioneers to re-occupy their
line. The left company of the 10th Lincolnshire was now in a
precarious position, being under fire from front, flank and rear,
302
THE ioth LINCOLNSHIRE [mar. 2 *nd, i 9 is
but they held on grimly until about 1 1.30 a.m., when they were
ordered to fall back to Hill Switch. They got back to the latter
trench, where they had B Company on their right and a body of
the 25th Northumberland Fusiliers on their left. But at 1.20
p.m., the Officer Commanding left company reported his flank
uncovered, as the troops who had been there had again fallen
back : he was ordered to fling back his left and form a defensive
flank facing north. Soon afterwards three companies of the 1st
East Lanes came up as reinforcements : they were badly needed,
and were placed in the Croisilles Switch North.
Meanwhile the centre company of the ioth Lincolnshire had
been engaged all day. So terrific was the firing that two Lewis
guns burst from overheating : thousands of rounds had also
been fired by the riflemen.
At about 2-4-S p.m., the 9th Northumberland Fusiliers, on the
right of the Lincolnshire, fell back, and although they advanced
again, were finally compelled to vacate their trench. The enemy
then seized the position and began at once to enfilade the right
company of the Lincolnshire. Somewhere about 5 p.m., the
line of St. Leger Wood was lost.
The situation of the ioth Lincolnshire was now critical : the
left company was almost surrounded, for the Lewis gun team
forming its flank protection had been rushed, and the enemy was
still established in Hill Switch : the East Lanes in Croisilles
Switch North were being badly enfiladed, while south the enemy
was working along the south side of the railway between the
battalion and St. Leger, and touch had been lost with the 9th
Northumberland Fusiliers. " Isolated as my battalion was,"
said the Officer Commanding (Lieut.-Colonel Blockley), " on the
crest of the hill, with night coming on and the enemy known to
have a free passage round my flanks, I deemed it wiser to prepare
for a withdrawal, the alternative being the probable cutting off
and surrounding of the whole battalion."
At 4.30 p.m., the Colonel ordered all companies to withdraw if
necessary, making their own arrangements, but keeping touch
with each other.
The withdrawal was carried out systematically and in good
order to the third system north-west of St. Leger, where, with
the three companies of the 1st East Lanes, touch was obtained on
the right with the 40th Division and on the left with a brigade of
Guards.
Just before dawn on the 23rd, the ioth Lincolnshire were
relieved and marched back to Hamelincourt.
t Excepting for long-range artillery-fire, the enemy did not
disturb the 1st and 2nd Lincolnshire as they worked on the Green
Line at Gurlu Wood during the night of the 22nd/23rd.
303
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
Shelling started soon after daylight, and shortly afterwards the .
Germans advanced and made certain progress round both flanks
of the battalion. At 8.30 a.m. an order was received to retire
on Midinettes Trench, between Aizecourt-le-Haut and Mois-
lains. There was no panic, and although the Germans were now
very close, and well equipped with light machine-guns, their
shelling had decreased to a very great degree. The Germans at
this stage of the operations were particularly successful in their
tactics of infiltration, and the whole 0/ their leading lines seemed
to consist of light machine-guns, which were rushed forward into
position, and followed at a considerable interval by their riflemen.
Orders were being issued to companies when troops on the
left of the 1st Lincolnshire were seen to be already falling back
from the Green Line. There was then a great rush of the enemy,
and the 1st and 2nd Lincolnshire fell back at once. Through
Gurlu Wood, fighting all the way, the two battalions retired.
When they emerged into the open on the western side of the
wood they were caught at short range by the German machine-
guns and casualties again became heavy.
Here it was that I^ieut.-Colonel E.P. Lloyd, Commanding
Officer of the 2nd Lincolnshire, was wounded and command of
the battalion was assumed by Major E.E.F. Baker.
The and Lincolnshire state that their line after this retirement
ran parallel with " the Nurlu-Peronne road, with left flank rest-
ing on road near junction of Nurlu-Moislains road. 1st
Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment, continuing the line to the left."
But this position was not held for long. The 2nd Lincoln-
shire were forced out of their line at 12 noon : the 1st Battalion
held the line until 3 p.m. : the time is immaterial for, again under
shell and machine-gun fire, the two battalions fell back, on this
occasion on Haut Allaines, where reorganization was attempted.
The limit of endurance had almost been reached, but the
fighting was not yet over, for the position at Haut Allaines was
not, as the records of the 2nd Battalion state, " maintained for
very long" : the enemy pressure continued and finally the
Lincolnshire fell back to a line approximately midway between
Clery and Bois Marrieres.
The enemy, too, by this time was thoroughly worn out and
for the remainder of the 23rd the remnants of the two battalions
were left in peace.
Captain Neilson, of the 1st Lincolnshire, with about forty
men, held a line east of Bouchavesnes : other small portions of the
battalion were in the neighbourhood of Maricourt. During the
day their Commanding Officer (Lieut.-Colonel B.D. Fisher) was
also wounded.
The 2nd Lincolnshire took up a defensive position for the
304
THE 7th LINCOLNSHIRE [mar. 23 r D , i 9 . 8
night, their numbers having now dwindled to six officers and
about seventy other ranks.
The pressure of the enemy on Demicourt and Doignies on the
night of the 2 2nd /23rd of March had, as was anticipated, its
effect upon the 7th Lincolnshire, holding Hermies, for that
battalion early on the 23rd observed the enemy massing in the
valley north and north-west of the latter .village. Hermies was
heavily shelled, but the trench system round the eastern and
northern exits escaped with only slight shelling.
During the morning Brigade Headquarters ordered the
evacuation of Hermies. The Commanding Officer (Lieut.-
Colonel Metcalfe), with A and C Companies, withdrew at 1.45 :
he was followed at 2.15 p.m. by Major Peddie with B and D
Companies. At 2 p.m. the enemy had broken into the Hermies
line south of the Graincourt road (Lurgan Switch), and there was
a gap from south of the road, which was filled by one platoon of
D Company under 2nd Lieutenant Dunn.
Hermies was now beset by the enemy on three sides. His
troops poured down the Graincourt and Demicourt roads and
up the valley north-west of the village. On the Graincourt
road flank, 2nd Lieutenant Dunn with his platoon was soon
engaged in a stiff rearguard action, a platoon of B Company being
similarly engaged on the Demicourt road flank. Captain E.G.
Carr and Captain Wotherspoon and 2nd Lieutenant Hommert,
with about sixty other ranks of B Company, who had taken cover
in the Quarry, were cut off and surrounded and presumably
captured.
After falling back from Hermies, the 7th Lincolnshire formed
up in column of route at the eastern end of Bertincourt, A and
C Companies being: detailed to move to the north-eastern end of
Velu Wood.
As showing the obscure nature of the situation, A Company
had already begun to move off before it was known that Velu
Wood was already in the hands of the enemy. Fortunately it
was possible to inform the company of this and they rejoined the'
battalion and again fell back to a position one mile south-west of
Villers-au-Flos, where a hot meal was given the men and ammuni-
tion replenished. The 7th Lincolnshire then moved into huts
for the night.
Early on the morning of the 23rd March the Commander of
the 177th Brigade, seeing that the enemy was holding the high
ground north of Mory, and the positions of the 4th and 2 /£th
Lincolnshire was untenable, ordered a withdrawal to a position
on the high ground south-east of Ervillers and east of the
Ervillers-Behagnies road.
This necessitated a retirement across five hundred to six
x 305
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
hundred yards of open country and was carried out under very
heavy close-range machine-gun fire, further casualties being
suffered.
" The extended line of our men moved back in splendid order
with the greatest steadiness until they arrived at the position
where they dug in." (Battalion Diary, 4-th Lincolnshire Regiment?)
The 4th Lincolnshire .had the 2/$th on their left. Here the
welcome news was received that the 40th Division would relieve
the Lincolnshire. For two days the two battalions had been
fighting almost continuously, during which time sleep or rest
had been practically impossible. But relief seemed to have been
impossible.
The 10th Lincolnshire were not in action on the 23rd and,
after relief and arrival at Hamelincourt continued their march at
2.30 p.m. westwards, bivouacking for the night west of the
Ayette— Bucquoy road.
Thus, according to the official dates of the various actions which
formed the first battles of the Somme 191 8, the Battle of St.
Quentin ends.
The General results of the Battle of St. Quentin were not what
the German Higher Command expected them to be. Nowhere
had there been a real break-through, nowhere were the British
troops, though pressed hard and involved in fighting of the most
desperate character, demoralised. The Flesquieres Salient had
not been " pinched off " as planned by the enemy. We had lost
ground of a valuable nature, it is true, huge quantities of stores
and ammunition and many prisoners, but the glorious spirit of
our officers and men knew no defeat, and whenever it was pos-
sible divisions, brigades, battalions and even small groups of
men fought, not with the courage of despair, but in the fine
conviction that they would hold the German eventually and
defeat him.
Already by the evening of the 23rd, the. Seventeenth German
Army, fighting against Byng's Third Army, had lost such pro-
digious numbers that it was almost exhausted.
(ii) The First Battle of Bapaume, itfh-'iyh March
So far as the 1st Lincolnshire were concerned, the survivors
of that battalion saw no fighting on the 24th, for from Mari-
court they marched back, apparently in parties, to the transport
lines near Bray, where they concentrated.
The mere handful (less than eighty all told) of the 2nd Lin-
colnshire, in their defensive positions between Clery and Bois
Marrieres, passed a peaceful night, but soon after dawn on the
24th masses of the enemy advanced to the attack. They were
306
THE 7th LINCOLNSHIRE [ MA *. 34 th, i 9 is
brought to a standstill by Lewis gun and rifle-fire, but the check
was only temporary for soon the enemy began to work round the
flanks, especially on the right, and to prevent envelopment the
line had to be withdrawn. Ere the retirement began, however,
the enemy was well round the right flank, and from the right rear
fire was being opened on the Lincolnshire. From this time
onwards the fighting consisted of a series of delaying actions, the
line of retirement being the direction of Hem, which was reached
about ii a.m. Only four officers and nineteen other ranks
(including five stragglers from other units) remained. The
gallant few entered the village, which was apparently held by the
33rd Division, the remnants of the Lincolnshire being detailed
to carry ammunition for the battalions holding the high ground
astride the Hem-Clery road.
At about 4 p.m. that afternoon orders reached the battalion
that all units of the 21st Division were to be withdrawn and
march back on Maricourt, thence to Suzanne, In the latter
village the 2nd Lincolnshire passed the night, and in the morning
marched to Bray, where a number of officers and men rejoined the
battalion : they comprised those who had been on leave, from
Schools of Instruction, and also a number who had become
separated from the battalion during the retirement. One com-
posite company of five officers and two hundred other ranks was
then formed under Lieutenant G.R. Holliday and marched to
join a composite battalion formed from units of the 62nd Infantry
Brigade under Lieut.-Colonel Howlett. Battalion Headquarters
and the remainder of the battalion marched at 10 p.m. en route
to Chipilly, where the night was spent.
Similar orders had been given to the 1st Lincolnshire (who
must have received reinforcements) on the 25th, that battalion
also finding one company of two hundred other ranks (four
platoons), under Captain Newbury. 1 The Diary of the 1st
Lincolnshire states that " the composite battalion moved off
during the afternoon," where it is not recorded. The remainder
of the battalion billeted in a brewery at Bray, though at night
they also moved to Chipilly, arriving at 12.30 a.m.
Meanwhile the 7th Lincolnshire had again been involved in
heavy fighting. At 5.30 a.m. the battalion, with the 51st
Brigade, moved to Sailly-Saillisel to fill a gap between the 47th
and 9th Divisions. The line (which was occupied by 8.30 a.m.)
ran along a sunken road, the left of the battalion joining up with
the Border Regiment. The 9th Division on the right, however,
1 1 think -we occupied an outpost position covering Bray that night and caught the
enemy in column of route in a sunken road, approaching our position early next morning
•with Lewis gun and rifle-fire, inflicting severe casualties. We then TOthdrew unmolested
and rejoined the battalion. (T.G.N.)
307
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
occupied a line further west and the right of the Lincolnshire
had to be thrown back as a defensive flank.
About 1 1 a.m.; the enemy attacked, not only frontally, but
against the right flank, where he brought exceptionally heavy
enfilade fire to bear upon the sunken road, causing many casual-
ties. His frontal attack, made with a great number of troops,
was decimated — " heaps of dead lay in front of the sunken road."
{Battalion Diary, Jth Lincolnshire Regiment?) But his enfilade
fire on the road made that place untenable and companies with-
drew, D under Captain W.H. Parsloe covering the retirement
of A and C to a new line about five hundred yards further back.
By this time Lieut.-Colonel Metcalfe had been wounded by
aeroplane machine-gun fire and Major Peddie had assumed
command. Other officer casualties were 2nd Lieutenant W.
Dunn killed, and 2nd Lieutenants Byles and Blake wounded.
On the right of the Lincolnshire the 9th Division had fallen
back a considerable distance, and, to conform, the former had
to fall back again with its right on the Le Transloy road. Two
more officers were then wounded — Captain Sargent and 2nd
Lieutenant Naylor. About 3.45 p.m., the battalion retired and
formed up on the eastern side of Le Transloy, with its left on the
Le Transloy road to cover the retirement of the 52nd Brigade.
Finally, as the enemy was rapidly advancing on Le Transloy, the
Lincolnshire fell back via Le Sars, Flers and High Wood to
Martinpuich, where the night of the 24th /25th was spent.
On the 25th the 7th Battalion, at 4 a.m., advanced to a position
north of Montauban and then withdrew (under brigade orders)
to a line of five hundred yards south of that village, finally taking
up positions for the night on the eastern side of Fricourt Wood.
The 4th and 2 /5th Lincolnshire on the 24th were forced to
give ground and retire still further west, but their records do
not show heavy fighting. At nightfall both battalions were on
the way back to Bucquoy, where they arrived some time in the
early hours of the 25th. During the latter date a further retire-
ment was made by the 177th Brigade, the 4th and 2 /5th
Lincolnshire billeting for the night in Bienvillers.
The 10th Lincolnshire were not again engaged with the enemy
on the Somme. The battalion moved on the 24th to La
Cauchie, and on the 25th to fresh billets in Berlincourt.
The close of the first Battle of Bapaume 1 9 1 8 saw practically
the end of the fighting on the Somme in March 191 8, so far as
the Lincolnshire Regiment was concerned. The six battalions,
as the records show, had fought most gallantly, and had worthily
upheld the fine traditions of the Regiment. Their losses had
been heavy. So far as can be gathered from the records (neces-
sarily brief, as they were written during a period of great strain),
308
CASUALTIES of the LINCOLNSHIRE [mA r., i 9i8
casualties, by battalions, were as follows : ist Battalion — Captain
E.V. Edwardes, 1 , Lieutenant V.A. Stephenson, and 2nd Lieu-
tenants A.E. Smith and W.C. Currie 2 killed ; Lieut.-Colonel
B.D. Fisher, Captain D. Wellesley-Smith, Captain C. Jacobs,
Royal Army Medical Corps (the Battalion Medical Officer),
Lieutenants H.M. Boxer, L.A. Howe and 2nd Lieutenants A.E.
Palmer, A.T. Gough and E.R. Aldous wounded ; casualties in
other ranks were sixty-six killed and three hundred and eleven
wounded, many of whom were missing ; the effective strength
of the battalion on the 31st was only three hundred and thirty-
four. 2nd Battalion — Captain J.M. Lockie killed ; Lieut.-
Colonel E.P. Lloyd, Captain S. Wilson, Lieutenant W. Collins,
2nd Lieutenants E.L. Osborne, 3 A.R. Hill, W.F. Hyde, C.
Molyneux, V.G.B. Watkins, H.T. Richardson, L. Caldicott, A.E.
Watson, Lieutenant and Quartermaster W. Collins, and Captain
The Reverend M. Tron (the battalion Padre) wounded ; 2nd
Lieutenants C.F. Willcox, F.G. Cole, B. Nightingale and R.H.
Stafford missing ; in other ranks the 2nd Battalion lost thirty-
one killed, ninety-five wounded and missing, two hundred and
thirty-eight missing. Of the 7th Lincolnshire, in addition to
names already given, 2nd Lieutenant W.J. Hirons was killed,
also twenty-eight other ranks ; Captain J.H.W. Edgar, 2nd
Lieutenant J.C. Harrison and one hundred and twenty-eight
other ranks were wounded ; wounded and missing, Lieutenant
L.A.E.E. Hommert and three other ranks ; missing, believed
prisoners, Captains E.deG. Carr and H.C.E. Wotherspoon, and
one hundred and thirty-seven other ranks.
The 4th Battalion lost 2nd Lieutenants M.S. Page, H.J.
Eynes, A.M.H. Bain and twenty-seven other ranks killed, Major
H.G. Dean, Captain S. Lee, 2nd Lieutenant G. Tolson, and one
hundred and fourteen other ranks wounded, and fifty-eight other
ranks missing.
The casualties of the 2 /5th were Major H. Ward (4th Bat-
talion, attached 2 /5th) and Lieutenant G.V. Butler, Army Service
Corps, killed ; Lieutenant R.H. Turner, 2nd Lieutenants R.G.
Eedes, R.E. Creasey, E.B. Smith, C. Taylor, Captain L.M.
Webber, Royal Army Medical Corps, and Regimental Sergeant-
Major W. Coldwell wounded ; Captain E.J.R. Hett, Lieutenant
B.H. Challenor, 2nd Lieutenants A. Begg, H J. Gale, 4 F. Sharpe,
F.R Gibbons, F.J. Levi, 5 P.E. Cottis, L.G. Moss/ C.W. Allen,
and A.J. Elston missing ; in other ranks the losses wereapproxi-
mately four hundred and ninety killed, wounded and missing.
* and 2 First reported " wounded and missing."
Died of wounds, 21st March, 1918.
> 5 > 6 These three officers are shown in the War Office list of officer casualties as belong-
ing to the ist Battalion, " killed " : it is possible they were attached to the a/jth Bat-
talion.
309
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
The ioth Lincolnshire record only two officer casualties, i.e.,
Lieutenant W.E. Finnerty as "missing," but later reported
killed, and 2nd Lieutenant W.P. Haik wounded ; in other ranks
they lost fifteen killed, eighty-two wounded and eighty-eight
missing.
So far as the Somme was concerned, the German offensive had
practically come to an end on the 27th of March : the enemy
had failed to break a way through the Allied front, and Amiens,
one of his objectives, remained in our hands.
There is little further to record of the Regiment during the
closing days of that momentous month : the 1st and and Bat-
talions both assisted in the formation of composite battalions, but
apart from taking up defensive positions at Baisieux and Bonnay,
were not actively engaged. The 1st Battalion on the 31st of
March was at Bourbon, and the 2nd at Hangest. The 7th
Lincolnshire took up an outpost line north of Millencourt on
the 27th, and on the 31st relieved the ioth West Yorks in the
left sector of the Divisional front east of Bouzincourt. Both the
4th and 2 /5th Lincolnshire marched to Sus-St. Leger on the
27th, and to Houdain on the 31st. The ioth Battalion had
gone north to join the First Army and on the 31st of March
took over front-line trenches in Wez Macquart, covering
Armentieres from the south-east.
(iii) The Battle of the Ancre : $th April, 191 8.
Both on the 4th and 5th of April the enemy made a last effort
to prevent the Allied line from becoming stable. On the latter
date his principal effort was made north of the Somme on prac-
tically the whole front, from Dernancourt to beyond Bucquoy.
In the neighbourhood of Rossignol his attack was entirely dis-
organised by a local attack made by troops of the 37th Division :
the attack on Rossignol Wood was carried out by the 8 th
Somerset and 8th Lincolnshire of the 63rd Brigade, the 4th
Middlesex being in reserve.
The 8th Battalion entrained at Caestre on the 29th of March
for the Third Army, in the Mondecourt Pas area, arriving on the
morning of the 30th. The day was spent in billets, but on the
31st the battalion marched to Henu. The following day the
Lincolnshire took over front-line trenches south-west of Gomme-
court in the Rossignol Wood sector, having the 8th Somerset on
their left ; Australian troops were on the right.
On the 3rd of April orders were issued for an attack on Ros-
signol Wood and the enemy's trenches west and south of it, the
final objective being a sunken road south-west of the Wood and
310
THE 8th LINCOLNSHIRE [apr IL s th, r 9 i8
a short length of trench running eastwards from the eastern end
of the Wood. This entailed on the Lincolnshire front the capture
of Duck, Swan and Owl trenches : Rossignol Wood, with Fish
Alley and Roach Trench, were in the area of the Somerset attack.
The night of the 4th /5th of April was miserable in the
extreme : rain fell and the inky darkness made the forming-up
operations difficult, but by zero (5.30 a.m.) on the 5th companies
were disposed as follows : D on the right, A left, C in support,
and B in reserve.
Tanks had been detailed to assist in the attack, but they were
unable to advance. At zero hour, therefore, the Lincolnshire
'**.'
feommecourt
Hebuterne V\ X>.
IQQO
200Q
1
3000
l_—
4000 Yards
1
Scale
ROSSIGNOL WOOD
advanced without their assistance. Within fifty yards of the
jumping-offline the right section suffered severely from machine-
gun fire, and a similar experience befel the left platoon when
one hundred and fifty yards from their original trench. Con-
siderable resistance from the first objective (Duck Trench)
met the attackers, and heavy fighting took place during which
about one hundred Germans were taken prisoner and from
sixty to ninety wounded. This objective was captured by
545 a.m.
Considerable machine-gun fire from both flanks met the
attack on the second objective (Swan Trench), otherwise the
enemy's resistance was not heavy. Having captured this line
also, heavy bombing became general on the right. The line
was cleared with the exception of two strong points, roughly on
the final objective on the right of the Lincolnshire and at 7.45
a.m. this position was being consolidated.
311
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
At about 9 a.m., lorries, full of enemy troops, were seen
travelling towards Rossignol Wood, but the Lincolnshire still
maintained their position. At midday the enemy was reinforced
and the position of the battalion was likely to become serious.
For touch had not been obtained with either flank, i.e., Austra-
lians on the right or Somerset on the left.
Gradually the small garrison of Lincolnshire in Swan Trench
was driven southwards into the trench system. At about I
p.m., on the right of the battalion, the enemy advanced from the
two strong points previously mentioned and cut right into the
battalion, dividing it into two sections. " From this time," the
records state, " we were overwhelmed and, owing to lack of
bombs, we withdrew in good order into our original front
line. Very heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy in this
action."
The original front line was re-occupied about 5.30 p.m.
The narrative states that the conduct of the men was " beyond
all praise," their musketry being especially good. No less than
fourteen German machine-guns were either taken or destroyed.
The 63rd Trench-Mortars were badly cut up before the first
objective had been reached, and Lieutenant Francis Brown, M.C.
(8th Lincolnshire), being killed.
The Brigadier in his report said : "I consider that the be-
haviour of these battalions, 1 which were composed largely of very
young soldiers, was beyond all praise."
Casualties suffered by the 8 th Lincolnshire in this attack were :
2nd Lieutenant H.F. Moody killed, 2nd Lieutenant C.H.L.
Askey died of wounds, 2nd Lieutenants P. Lowe and P.H.
Peadon wounded : other ranks — twenty-six killed, ninety-one
wounded, eighty-one missing.
Of that final attack by the enemy to open the road to Amiens
at the eleventh hour, the despatch {Despatch of the 10th July,
19 1 8, para. 48) states that, with the exception of some minor
adjustments in our line north of the Somme, the enemy's efforts
were " entirely without result." From that date his offensive
on the Somme ceased for the time being and conditions rapidly
approached those of normal trench warfare.
The 7th Lincolnshire took no part in the battle : the 17th
Division was in Corps Reserve on the 5th of April, the battalion
being at Mirveux, though under orders to move at fifteen
minutes' notice.
1 8th Lincolnshire, 8th Somerset and 4th Middlesex.
312
THE ioth LINCOLNSHIRE [april 9 th, x 9 is
IV
THE GREAT GERMAN OFFENSIVE OF I918 : THE BATTLES OF THE
LYS, 9TH— 29TH APRIL
(i) The Battle of Estaires : tyh-i ith April
The enemy's offensive on the Sommehad hardly ended when on
the 9th of April he launched another great attack in the Lys Valley.
On the night of the 7th of April an unusually violent hostile
bombardment with gas shell broke out along practically the whole
line from Lens to Armentieres. At about 4 a.m. on the 9th,
it recurred with the greatest intensity and three hours later the
enemy attacked the 2nd Portuguese Division holding the line
just north of Neuve Chapelle. He broke into their trenches and
then rolled back the flanks, involving the whole front line from
north of Givenchy to just south-west of Armentieres.
The ioth Battalion on the morning of the 9th was holding
front-line trenches south-east of Armentieres, from Salop Avenue
to the Lille— Armentieres road, C and D Companies in the front
line, A Company in the brickfields, B in Spring Point in Fleurie
Switch Line, both in reserve.
The enemy's bombardment began at 4 a.m., chiefly on the
support and reserve trenches. At n a.m., A Company was
moved up to support, and at 12.45 p.m., B Company (Captain
Newton) was sent off to the right flank from Streaky Bacon Farm
to La Vasee. As this company approached Gris Pot a party of
the enemy was seen advancing from the village. The German
n.c.o. was shot and the party driven back into Gris Pot.
From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., large parties of the enemy tried to
advance through the village, but were each time repulsed with
heavy casualties : at the latter hour, however, the enemy
momentarily occupied the north-easterly house, but was driven
out, and B Company occupied the building. With the exception
of heavy shell-fire the night of the 9th- ioth passed quietly.
At 8 a.m. on the ioth, the enemy again attacked Gris Pot, but
until 1 2 noon was held in check, though in the meantime, and
by the latter hour, the Germans had worked round the right flank
and were enfilading B Company with machine-gun fire.
On the right of the 34th Division the situation was seri-
ous, for fighting was general along the whole line from the
Lys, near Erquinghem, to the Lincolnshire old front line and
Shaftesbury Avenue, i.e., the whole of the flank on the right of
the Division had gone and the enemy was pushing north-east
along the river towards Armentieres. A Company of the
Lincolnshire set off about 3 p.m. to assist a battalion whose right
3*3
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
rested on the Lys, but was too late to save the situation, as the
enemy was by this time commanding the railway and railway
bridge in Armentieres.
At 3.15 a general retirement was ordered by Brigade Head-
quarters to the left bank of the Lys, protected by covering
parties of which B Company 1 of the Lincolnshire and two com-
panies of the 9th Northumberland Fusiliers held the Spring Post
position until the remainder of the battalion had fallen back.
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THE BATTLE OF ESTAIRES
Shortly after 7 p.m., the enemy advanced in strength along the
L'Arinee— Rue Marie road, and a rear party of the Lincolnshire,
consisting of twelve other ranks under 2nd Lieutenant E.H.
Williams, was ordered to cover the retirement. This party
behaved most gallantly, killing five of the enemy in close fighting,
and only withdrawing when B Company was clear.
Thanks to fine fighting by defensive flanks, the retirement of
the battalion was carried out with small loss, but it was touch
and go in getting through Armentieres. The railway bridge
was found to be in possession of the enemy and the Lincolnshire
1 B Company of the 10th Battalion received a draft of ninety-seven nineteen-year-old
lads on the loth April, so that it was the strongest company in the battalion. These lads
behaved splendidly.
3H
THE ioth LINCOLNSHIRE [aprh, nTH , i 9 is
had to work through the town to Pont de Nieppe, which was
crossed at 8.27 p.m.
At 12.15 a.m. (nth April) the battalion held a line from
Wigan Post, north of Erquinghem, to just east of Blackpool
(another post), though the Commanding Officer stated, " there
can be little doubt that at this time the enemy were behind
Battalion Headquarters . ' '
A belated message, timed 10.25 P' m «j was then received by
the Commanding Officer ordering the battalion to fall back on
the Armentieres— Bailleul railway. On receipt of these orders
the Lincolnshire moved to the railway station and line south of
Nieppe (C and B Companies) and Touquet (A and B Companies).
From ro a.m. to 2 p.m. the enemy made continuous attacks down
the railway and from farms on the Nieppe— Croix du Bac road.
On the left he was stopped by the East Lanes, and on the right
by the Lincolnshire machine and Lewis guns. But his per-
sistence on the left finally prevailed and eventually advanced
elements of the East Lanes were surrounded and captured, which
left the 1 oth Battalion in a critical position. But by skilfully dis-
posing his companies, the Commanding Officer, Lieut.-Colonel
A.W. Blockley was able to keep the enemy off and prevent his
further progress.
At 5 p.m., orders were received from Brigade Headquarters
for the battalion to withdraw along the railway to a position from
north of Steenwerck to the 31st Division (on the right of the
34th). This retirement began at 7.30 p.m., but on approaching
Le Veau, heavy machine-gun fire was encountered from the
railway and farm buildings north-east of the latter and near the
village, the enemy having actually crossed the railway. The
battalion was consequently forced to follow the main Bailleul
road to the junction of the road leading to Steenwerck Station.
A Company was then sent to find out the situation and push
forward to Steenwerck Station if possible : B and D Companies
were a little later pushed forward to get touch with A. A runner
also was despatched to Brigade Headquarters, giving the dis-
position of the battalion. About 9 p.m., an officer from the
brigade arrived and gave details of another position in rear of La
Creche, which was to be occupied at once by all units of the
103rd Brigade.
With some difficulty, therefore, the three companies were
recalled and the battalion moved to north of La Creche in touch
on the left with the 9th Northumberland Fusiliers, but out of
touch on the right.
Thus, so far as the ioth Lincolnshire were concerned, ended
the Battle of Estaires. For three days the battalion had been
marching and fighting with tenacity and great courage, often in
315
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
critical and obscure situations, but by good leadership and
gallantry winning through.
(ii) The Battle of Messines, 191 8 : loth-nth April
In the meantime the 2nd Lincolnshire had been involved with
the enemy further north, for on the 1st of April both the 1st
and and Battalions, with other units of the 62nd Brigade, had
entrained at Hangest for Peselhoek, whence they were conveyed
by bus and lorry to the Locre— Kemmel area.
On the night of the 4th /5th the 62nd and 64th Brigades
relieved the Australian troops in the Wytschaete area, the 1st
, tanyzer Cab£
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3000 rdsZ.® I?' \ P'ok Ho.
THE BATTLE OF MESSINES, I918
Lincolnshire on the right and the 2nd on the left, but the brigade
was relieved on the 7th /8th, the 1st Battalion moving back to
Ramillies Camp and the 2nd to Kemmel Shelters. 1 On the
10th, in consequence of the German offensive, the brigade moved
to the reserve area of the Divisional sector south of the Menin
road, the 1 st Lincolnshire to Otago Camp and 2nd Lincolnshire
to Forrester Camp.
But Brigade Headquarters had hardly been established at
Bedford House, when orders were received that the brigade (less
the 1st Lincolnshire to remain under the orders of the 64th
Brigade) was to move at once to Parret Camp under the orders
of the 26th Brigade (9th Division) as a result of the heavy attacks
made on the 9th and 19th Divisions.
1 On the night of the 8th/9th Lieut.-Colonel R. Bastard assumed command of the
2nd Lincolnshire vice Major E.E.F. Baker.
^t6
THE 2nd LINCOLNSHIRE [AP ril ioth, i 9 is
The 2nd Lincolnshire and the 12th /13th Northumberland
Fusiliers arrived at Parret Camp at 1 a.m. (nth) and were at
once given orders to retake Wytschaete and re-establish them-
selves on the Messines-Wytschaete road between Pick House
and the southern end of Onraet Wood before dawn. The
Northumberland Fusiliers were to attack on the right and the
2nd Lincolnshire on the left.
This very difficult operation was successfully carried out by
the 2nd Lincolnshire on the night of the ioth/nth April,
About n p.m., the Commanding Officer, Lieut.-Colonel R.
Bastard, was instructed by the Brigade Commander, Brig.-
General Gater, that the situation at Wytschaete was obscure, and
that the 2nd Lincolnshire Regiment was to advance and try and
get touch with the 9th Division, whose right was " in the air."
The night was pitch black, the ground unknown, the road diffi-
cult to keep to and encumbered with material. The battalion
moved soon after 1 a.m. on -the nth, with one company as
advanced guard. After a time the Headquarters of a battalion
of the Black Watch was found about two hundred yards to the
left of the road, holding a line in front of Wytschaete Ridge, with
no troops as far as they knew on their right. The Lincolnshire
continued the advance till they reached what appeared to be
rising ground ; the advanced guard, under Captain Pritchard,
was sent down the forward slope to find a road running parallel
with the ridge, along which Colonel Bastard intended to deploy
the battalion. The vanguard met a strong German patrol ;
Captain Pritchard, who was with the vanguard, charged, cap-
tured two of the patrol and the remainder fled. He continued
the advance and found the road on which the battalion deployed.
At 5.30 a.m., the Lincolnshire advanced unopposed for about
five hundred yards and occupied the trench they were sent to
hold, their left being within ten yards of the right of the 9th
Division, from Somer Farm to Stanyzer Cabaret.
" Captain Pritchard 's work on that night was beyond all praise,
we at any moment might have come across the enemy entrenched,
and his action when meeting the enemy patrol in the face of the
very nerve-racking advance on this pitch black night, was the
action of a very brave and resolute leader." (Lieut. -Colonel
Bastard.) Captain Pritchard was wounded a few days later,
and most unfortunately died of his wounds,
During the nth the battalion captured fourteen prisoners
from three different German regiments. The operation^ was a
complete success, and the re-establishment of the line an impor-
tant factor in delaying the German advance. " It was one of
the most difficult that I recollect being called on to carry out."
(Brig.-General Gater})
317
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT'
The battalion held the position, which was repeatedly and
heavily shelled by the enemy, on whom numerous casualties were
inflicted by rifle and Lewis gun fire, until the night of the 15th/
1 6 th, when it was relieved by the 1st Lincolnshire and withdrawn
to Rossignol Wood Camp.
(iii) The Battle of Bailleul : 13/A-15/A April 1
By the night of the 1 ith of April the enemy's line ran just east
of Wytschaete ; he had taken Messines, and then by Nieppe,
Steenwerck Station, on the Armentieres-Bailleul railway, south-
west to Merville, four miles west of Estaires, which we still
held.
In this battle five battalions of the Regiment took part.
On the 10th Lieut.-Colonel B.D. Fisher was posted to the
command of the 8th Infantry Brigade (3rd Division) and Major
H.W. Gush assumed command of the 1st Lincolnshire. The
same night a hurried move was made to Maida Camp, near
Chateau Segard, where the battalion was attached to the 64th
Brigade for an attack next day. The attack was cancelled, but
the Lincolnshire moved into support dug-outs south of the
Kemmel-Wytschaete road, returning to the 62nd Brigade.
Front-line trenches were taken over on the following night
(1 2th /13th) in the Wytschaete sector and the battalion was
ordered to hold the line from Bogaert Farm, exclusive on the
right, to Stanyzer Cabaret cross-roads, inclusive, on the left.
There was little shelter in this position and the enemy's shell-fire
— a heavy and continuous bombardment — caused many casual-
ties. On the afternoon of the 1 3 th the enemy shelled the village
very heavily, but owing to the vigilance of the Vickers and Lewis
guns, no infantry attack developed.
Between the evenings of the 12th /13th and 1 5th /i 6th casual-
ties amounted to two officers and eighty other ranks. Only
twelve officers, including Battalion Headquarters, went into the
line with the battalion, and the strain on them was tremendous,
but the narrative states : " In spite of this the fighting spirit of
all ranks was maintained at the highest level."
The 10th Battalion spent the night of the 1 ith/i2th north of
La Creche, and at 4 a.m. on the 1 2th moved to a new position,
from the junction of the Bailleul-Armentieres road and railway
to eight hundred yards east of that point. At the junction of
the railway and road other troops were found and the Lincoln-
shire therefore conformed, B and A Companies in front, D and C
in support. ^ Companies dug in at once and by 1 1 a.m., a series
of strong points from about eighty yards east of the railway to
1 The Lincolnshire were not engaged in the Battle of Hazebrouck, I2th/i5th of April.
318
THE ioth LINCOLNSHIRE "[apwl i 3 th, 1.91 '
the 9th Northumberland Fusiliers on the left were completed.
Apart from shelling, no action took place during the day.
Following an order, received at 12.30 a.m. (13th of April),
the Commanding Officer, Lieut.-Colonel Blockley, sent B and D
Companies forward at 4 a.m., to reinforce the 1 6th Royal Scots :
they took up position about five hundred yards south-west of the
Armentieres railway. The line apparently held firm all day, but
at 5 p.m., the Royal Scots and 40th Division on their right fell
back on to the two supporting companies of Lincolnshire. At
8 p.m., orders were received that in the .event of a withdrawal a
north-west to south-east line would be taken up some two
thousand yards in rear. The withdrawal was ordered at 10 p.m.,
and the Commanding Officer, with A and C Companies still at
his disposal, fell back towards the Ravetsberg road. They were well
on the move when the order was cancelled, but eventually a line
was taken up round Hill 70, where a series of posts were dug. B
and D Companies, however, still remained with the 101st Brigade.
Throughout the morning of the 14th the enemy was observed
dribbling troops forward from the direction of De Broeken.
Heavy machine-gun fire swept the front of the Lincolnshire, but
the Lewis guns of the two companies (A and C) kept the enemy
under a continuous barrage and his troops were unable to make
progress. One small party of Germans with a machine-gun
managed to work along a hedge on the left front of the two
companies, but was wiped out by Lewis gun fire, and C Company
later captured the machine-gun.
At 1 2 noon, B and D Companies rejoined and were placed in
support of A and C.
C Company, however, was losing men rapidly and their line
had to be reinforced by two platoons of A. But when darkness
had fallen, no ground had been lost by the ioth Lincolnshire, and
just before 1 1 p.m., the Commanding Officer was informed that
a portion of the 29th Division was to relieve him. Next day at
about 2 a.m. (15th), two companies of the 4th Lincolnshire
arrived and relieved A and C Companies of the ioth Battalion,
the two support companies of the latter were not relieved, but
were withdrawn about 3 a.m.
On relief the ioth Lincolnshire marched back to Haegedoorne
and at once began to dig a new position on the forward slopes
of the Hill. 1 The day passed quietly for the battalion, but at
5.30 p.m., the 59th Division was driven out of its positions and the
ioth Battalion records that " we again became front-line troops."
The 59th Division, which included the 4th and 2 /5th Lin-
colnshire, in the 177th Brigade, was fetched from the trenches
east of Ypres, to which it was moved early in April, and as
1 About two thousand to three thousand yards in rear of the position held when relieved.
319
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
narrated above, came into line on the Ravetsberg Ridge to oppose
the German attack there.
The 4th and 2 /5th Lincolnshire entrained at Brandhoek
during the early afternoon of the 13th April and arriving at
Godewaersvelde, marched to Mont de Gats and billeted in huts.
At 2 a.m. on the 14th, however, they were ordered to march to
Locre, where they were temporarily accommodated in huts until
1 1 a.m., when they again moved along the Locre-Dranoutre road
and halted while the Commanding Officers and Company Com-
manders reconnoitred the reserve line south of Dranoutre. The
battalions appear to have spent the day in this position, for it was
(as already stated) early on the 15th when the 4th Lincolnshire
relieved the 10th Battalion and 5.30 a.m. on the same date before
the 2 /5th Battalion relieved troops of the 88th Brigade on the
Ravetsberg Ridge : the 2 /5th were then on the right of the 4th
Battalion.
The 2 /j'th (all four companies) were now holding a line of
four advanced posts on the forward slope of the Ravetsberg
Ridge. Each company garrisoned a post with one platoon, the
remaining three platoons digging in on the reverse slope of the
Ridge.
At 6 a.m., two hostile patrols, each about twenty strong,
advanced against one of the right posts, but were driven off,
leaving three prisoners in the hands of the Lincolnshire and
seventeen dead and wounded lying out in front. An hour later,
another patrol advanced against a machine-gun post on the right :
the patrol was counter-attacked and driven off, the 2 /5th taking
twelve more prisoners. During the morning, eight German
deserters gave themselves up.
About noon the enemy heavily bombarded the positions held
by the Lincolnshire until 2.30 p.m., when an intense barrage
was placed, not only on the 2 /5th, but on the units on the right
and left. At 2.45 p.m., the enemy's infantry advanced and
attacked the 4th Lincolnshire. The line of the latter remained
intact. At 3.40 p.m., the right company of the 2 /5th was
attacked, but the enemy was repulsed with Lewis gun and rifle-
fire.
At 4.30 p.m., an alarming report reached the Commanding
Officer of the 2 /5th, his left Company Commander reporting the
enemy on the Ridge on his immediate left and that the 4th
Lincolnshire had fallen back from the Ridge. The 4th Bat-
talion had, however, formed a defensive flank, still keeping touch
with the left of the 2 /5th (D Company). By 5.2 5 p.m., the line
of the 4th Lincolnshire was north of the Ravetsberg road and
along the railway cutting between Keersebrom and Hill 75. A
few minutes later the enemy forced his way over the crest of the
320
THE 4-th & 2 /5th LINCOLNSHIRE [ APR . i 5 th, I9I s
hill and breaking the line of the 4th Battalion, got behind the
left flank of the 2 /5th, and one, platoon of the 4th, which had
continuously maintained touch with the left of the former.
Simultaneously a frontal attack was made on the 2 /5th. The
left company (D) was last seen in its original position engaged in
desperate fighting at close quarters. The Lewis gun section of
this company went down fighting to the bitter end, having
emptied its magazines into the closely-packed ranks of the enemy
at very close range.
The three remaining companies of the 2 /5th, on the Ridge,
then came under very heavy machine-gun fire from the left and
suffered heavy casualties. The survivors now formed a flank
facing east, but were gradually driven back to a line taken up by
the 177th Brigade north-east of Bailleul. Patrols sent out from
Battalion Headquarters to find the companies, found only the
enemy. To conform with the 4th Lincolnshire, Battalion Head-
quarters of the 2 /5th then withdrew a short distance, having on
the right two companies of the 9th Northumberland Fusiliers.
Battalion Headquarters personnel were then organized into fire
units. The enemy was then checked, but the night of the 1 5th /
1 6th passed anxiously and at 11 p.m., orders were issued from
the brigade to withdraw to Locre.
The 2 /5th sustained heavy casualties in this action : Lieut-
Colonel H.B. Roffey was killed, 2nd Lieutenant L.G. Dickinson
was wounded, and 2nd Lieutenants W.G. Fenton and J.C.
Myers were missing : the losses in other ranks killed, wounded
and missing were three hundred and fifty-two.
Meanwhile the 4th Lincolnshire had been involved in heavy
fighting. On taking over from the 102nd Brigade, A Company
was on the right, B in the centre, and C on the left, D being in
reserve behind Crucifix Hill. These positions were well down
the forward slope of the Ravetsberg Ridge, under observation
from the enemy and movement was impossible.
At 12 noon the bombardment began, Crucifix Corner (behind
the left flank of the battalion) receiving marked attention. At
2.45 p.m., a local attack developed against the latter place, the
enemy obtaining a footing in the battalion's line. But he was
driven out by the counter-attack platoon of the left company.
Again and again he attacked and twice reached the high-ground
in the neighbourhood of Crucifix Corner, but on each occasion
was driven off with severe losses. His barrage was then short-
ened to the position, but his attempts were still frustrated in the
most gallant manner. A heavy frontal attack against the whole
line then developed. On the right rifle and Lewis gun fire
forced him back. On the left, however, troops on the left of the
4th Lincolnshire had been forced to retire and at last the enemy
y 3 2 *
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
broke through and captured the crest of Crucifix Hill from the
eastern side. He was now able to dominate the whole of the
4th Battalion line with machine-gun fire, and the Lincolnshire
were forced to withdraw. The action then developed into a
series of stands and retirements, in which hand-to-hand fighting
was of frequent occurrence. Eventually a line was dug north of
the railway in rear of Hill 75, where at about 10 p.m. (troops of
the 34th Division, having arrived at 7.30 p.m. to take over and
reorganize the line), orders were received to retire to Locre,
which was reached at about 2.30 a.m. on the 16th.
CRUCIFIX HILL
The losses of the 4th Lincolnshire were 2nd Lieutenants G.W.
Pacey and H.L. Hubble 'killed, Captains R.B. Wilmshurst, A.E.
Stephenson, G. Fleming (Royal Army Medical Corps), and 2nd
Lieutenants W. Paypers, G.S. Lakeman, S,R. Slidel, L.E.
Squirrel and E.R. Beecroft wounded, and 2nd Lieutenant C.E.
Blamires missing. In other ranks the casualties were twelve
killed, one hundred and twenty wounded, and one hundred and
seventy missing.
(iv) The First Battle of Kemmel : lyth-iyth April
The 1st Lincolnshire had a desperate struggle with the enemy
on the 1 6th, which, though officially before the date of the above
battle, cannot be separated from it.
322
THE ist LINCOLNSHIRE [apr. *s*h, r 9 x8
The battalion on the night of the 15th/! 6th was on the line
Bogaert Farm-Stanyzer Cabaret cross-roads. At 4.30 a.m. on
the 1 6th the enemy put down a terrific barrage on the front line,
on the village and all approaches to it. This bombardment
lasted without a break for an hour, then it lifted off the fronts of
the left and centre battalions, but remained on the Lincolnshire
for ten minutes longer. Under cover of a dense fog the enemy
attacked on the flank of the battalion and succeeded in breaking
the line just north of the Stanyzer Cabaret cross-roads and at
Peckham. Strong parties of Germans then wheeled inwards and
attacked both flanks of the Lincolnshire : the frontal attack was
not pressed. The fog hid the approach of the enemy, and com-
panies did not know they were attacked until the enemy appeared
at close quarters.
Fighting under every disadvantage (the fog denying them the
full use of Lewis guns and rifles and making it impossible to
locate the enemy) the battalion stood firm and fought it out to the
last. " No officer, platoon post or individual surrendered and the
fighting was prolonged until 6.30 a.m" 1
Ample evidence of this is furnished by the Commanding
Officer and Battalion Headquarters, who made a last stand at the
cross-roads, and did not leave them until 7 a.m. They, a mere
handful of men, withdrew slowly, fighting all the way back to
Wytschaete. The withdrawal was covered by the Adjutant
(Captain F.C.M, McKellar) with revolver and bombs, firing into
the enemy at close quarters. The Commanding Officer (Major
Gush), with great gallantry and resource, was thus able to get his
wounded away.
The splendid behaviour of the ist Lincolnshire undoubtedly
saved the situation by breaking the full force of the attack,
enabling a defensive flank to be formed covering the 64th Brigade
from North House to Black Cot, and the reserve battalion to be
pushed forward to the line Vandame Farm-Lagache Farm in
order. to prevent a break-through. The hard fighting left the
enemy disorganized (he was unable to consolidate) and naturally
assisted the counter-attack delivered during the evening of the
16th.
The gallant remnants of the ist Lincolnshire reached Siege
Farm (north-west of Kemmel) on the 17th— five officers and
eighty-two other ranks. While in this position, twenty-one
stragglers who had been attached to other units during the fight-
ing rejoined, bringing the total of other ranks to one hundred
and three. On the 1 9th the battalion marched back to camp at
Ouderdom.
1 From the narrative by Brig.-General G.H. Gater. Captain D.F. Neilson, D.S.O.,
M.C., a most gallant officer, was killed on the 16th April.
323
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
In the centre attack, made during the evening of the 16th
(mentioned above),. the and Lincolnshire took part.
After relief on the night of the i_yth/i6th the battalion
marched back to camp at Rossignol Wood, which they reached
at 4 a.m. The battalion then stood to, afterwards recon-
noitring the Kerstraet-Kemmel road trenches. After standing
down, orders were received first to man the trenches and shortly
afterwards to advance with No. 2 Composite Battalion (39 th
Division) and attack and capture the Peckham-Maedelstede
Farm ridge. The attack was cancelled, and both battalions
occupied a line running through Lagache and Vandamme Farms.
The 2nd Battalion was practically standing to all day.
At 4 p.m. orders for the counter-attack again arrived, the first
objective being the Peckham-Maedelstede line, second objective
the old line at Wytschaete. Zero hour was 7.30 p.m., the attack
to be in conjunction with the French on the right and Seaforths
on the left.
" The attack was most gallantly carried out under very heavy
machine-gun fire from the front and right flank, and pushed to
a trench within fifty to one hundred yards of the first objective,
which was made good. This attack was carried out by the
battalion after a week's heavy fighting, no sleep the previous
night, and only partially reorganized after the recent Somme
fighting. It was carried out with the greatest dash and vigour,
and only Lieut.-Colonel Bastard's fine leading and the fine spirit
of all ranks in the face of every difficulty (such as heavy enfilade
fire from the right because the expected French attack was de-
layed) enabled the attack to gain the ground it did. The bat-
talion consolidated the ground won with No. 2 Composite
Battalion on the left. A Company, 12 /13th Northumberland
Fusiliers, was attached to the battalion, took part in the attack
.and behaved splendidly." The battalion was relieved on the
night of the 1 7th /i 8th, and moved back to Siege Farm whence,
after resting throughout the 18 th, the march was continued to
Scottish Camp, Ouderdom. Captain Pritchard, referred to for
his fine work on the loth-nth April, again behaved most
gallantly, but died of his wounds.
The 4th Lincolnshire reached the huts in Locre at 2.30 a.m.
on the 1 6th, and after a rest it was decided to reorganize the
battalion on a two-company basis, i.e., A and B became W Com-
pany under Captain A.H. Clark, C and D became X Company
. under Lieutenant R.J.W. Andrews.
Shell shelters were dug in a field in rear of the trenches during
the evening in case of hostile shelling. The battalion was under
orders to move to reserve positions at 8 a.m. on the 17th. At
2 a.m. on the latter date an order was received, placing the 2 /£th
324
THE ioth LINCOLNSHIRE L apr. i 7 th, i 9 is
Lincolnshire (owing to weakness of numbers) under the orders
of the Officer Commanding 4th Battalion, i.e., Major R.N.
Holmes.
At 8 a.m. on the 1 7th the Composite Battalion (now known
as Major Holmes's Battalion) marched to the assembly positions
and were ordered to take up positions in a wood about seven
hundred and fifty yards south of Locre, where companies set to
work immediately to dig shell shelters. They had, however,
hardly begun when the enemy shelled the wood violently. The
wood was then evacuated and positions dug in rear of it. One
officer of the 2 /5th (2nd Lieutenant J. Fisher) was killed and
another (2nd Lieutenant V. du Plergny) mortally wounded. 1
Fifteen other ranks were killed or wounded. At about 11.30
p.m. "the Composite Battalion was ordered to return to the huts
in Locre.
Both on the 1 8th and 19th the battalion moved forward during
the early morning to the position behind the wood and were
withdrawn at night. On the 1 8th the 4th sustained a great loss in
Regimental-Sergeant-Major A. Peasgood, who was wounded :
he had landed in France with the battalion and had remained
with it the whole period.
The ioth Lincolnshire were last mentioned at Haegedoorne
on the 1 jth, where at nightfall they were dug in on the forward
slopes of the hill. The morning of the 1 6th was uneventful,
but during the afternoon there was an ominous increase in
machine-gun and artillery-fire. At 4.30 p.m. a heavy barrage
was put down by the enemy on the battalion front-line companies
and a hostile attack developed against positions held by the ioth
Lincolnshire along the hedge of a road south-east of the village.
Three posts on the left came under enfilade fire from the left :
there were no covering troops for these posts. Two sustained
direct hits by 4.2-in. shells and the survivors retired on the bat-
talion. But the Commanding Officer (Lieut.-Colonel Blockley)
organized a counter-attack, which was launched at 7.30 p.m.
and succeeded in regaining the posts. The enemy left many
dead on the ground.
From 8 a.m. on the 17th until 12 noon a very heavy bombard-
ment by guns of all calibre was put down on the front and rear
positions of the Lincolnshire, under cover of which the enemy
made several determined attacks. He occupied a house south
of the road and drove in the left advanced post ; three had
already been obliterated by shell-fire. But the front line held firm
and the enemy was repulsed with great loss.
At 4 a.m. on the 18th the worn-out ioth Lincolnshire were
relieved and moved back to the Croix du Poperinghe line, which,
x He died at the Casualty Clearing Station.
325
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
however, was found occupied by many units. The roth, there-
fore, dug a new line in rear. The battalion was not again
engaged in the fighting on the Lys, but it had most worthily
upheld the great traditions of the Lincolnshire Regiment, and
" First Kemmel " will be remembered by survivors of the ioth
as a great fight. 1
(v) The Second Battle of Kemmel: 2$th-26tk April
Although neither the ist nor the 2nd Lincolnshire attacked the
enemy in this battle, both battalions were in the area and came
under shell-fire, suffering further casualties.
The ist Battalion was at Ottawa Camp until the 25th of April.
During the previous day companies were reorganized on the
basis of four platoons per company, but provisionally the bat-
talion reorganized into two companies of four platoons each in
order that it could, in case of necessity, go into action before fur-
ther drafts arrived. No. I Company (A and B) was under
Captain T.G. Newbury, and No. 2 (C and D) under Captain
S.B. Edinburgh.
At about 2.15 a.m. on the 25th a heavy bombardment of the
Lincolnshire front and support areas broke out, and two hours
later the battalion was ordered to stand to. At 9 a.m. a move
was made into position south-east of the Ouderdom-Vlamer-
tinghe road. Here the battalion remained until 6.30 p»m.,
when orders were received to occupy the General Headquarters
Second Line from north of Scottish Wood to the south-western
corner of Ridge Wood, 2 under orders of the 39th Composite
Brigade.
The 26th was comparatively quiet until 3 p.m., when the
enemy's shell-fire, which had been intermittent, suddenly
developed into a hurricane bombardment of Ridge Wood and
neighbourhood. The ist Lincolnshire was made up of new
drafts, most of whom were lads of about twenty. They re-
mained under heavy shell-fire in very inadequate shelter for several
hours, and gave a striking example of endurance. The bat-
talion had seventy-four casualties.
The 2nd Lincolnshire left Scottish Camp, Ouderdom, also
on the 25th, and moved to reserve positions near Dickebusch :
there was desultory fighting from the 25th to the 29th April
With the Diary there is a slip of paper which gives the losses
from the nth to the 29th of April, inclusive : 2nd Lieutenant
R.R. Wilcockson (wounded nth), 2nd Lieutenant G. Shaw
^ 1 It was during this battle that Sir Douglas Haig's famous order was issued :
"With our backs to the wall, and believing in the justice of our cause, each one of us
must fight to the end."
2 About midway between Kemmel and Ypres.
326
END OF ATTACKS ON THE LYS [APR . 29TH , i 9 ,g
(killed 1 2th), Captain R.B. Pritchard and Captain J. H.G. Lilly-
white (wounded 16th), 2nd Lieutenant L.W. Pacy (wounded
2,5th), 2nd Lieutenant H.V. Joyce (wounded 27th), 2nd Lieu-
tenant G.W. Hodge (missing 27th), and 2nd Lieutenant E.V.
Leach (wounded 29th). In other ranks the losses during this
period were twenty-two killed, two hundred and ten wounded,
nine gassed, fifty-two missing — total two hundred and ninety-
three.
The German offensive on the Lys ended on the 29th of April :
GERMAN TROOPS MOVING TO THE FRONT
the enemy was held as firmly as he had been held on the Somme
■ — by the splendid valour of the British soldier.
Practically the whole of the divisions engaged in the fighting
in the Lys Valley were brought straight from the Somme battle-
field, where they had suffered severely. " All these divisions,
without adequate rest and filled with young reinforcements which
they had had no time to assimilate, were again hurriedly thrown
into the fight and in spite of the great disadvantages under which
they laboured, succeeded in holding up the advance of greatly
superior forces of fresh troops. Such an accomplishment reflects
the greatest credit on the youth of Great Britain as well as on
those responsible for the training of the young soldiers sent out
from home at this time." (Despatch of the 10th July t 191 8,
•para. 59.)
The heavy losses sustained by the 1st and 2nd Lincolnshire
327
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
during the Battles of the Lys were made up from young rein-
forcements. On the 5th May, however, the 4th and 2 /5th
Lincolnshire were reduced to Training Cadres, and the 10th
Lincolnshire suffered the same fate on the 1 ith of the month.
THE BATTLE OF THE AISNE 1918, 27TH MAY~6TH JUNE
At the end of April Sir Douglas Haig agreed to place at
Marshal Foch's disposal five British divisions for employment
on the Aisne to take the place of French divisions concentrated
behind Amiens.
The five Divisions sent south to the Champagne front were
the 19th, 21st, 25th, 50th and 8th, the first four having been
engaged already against the German offensives on the Somme and
on the Lys, and 8th south of the Somme. All had lately been
filled up with young drafts and were in no condition to take
part in major operations until they had had several weeks' rest.
(Despatch of the list December, 1 9 1 8, para. 1 o.)
The 1st Lincolnshire, with other units of the 62 nd Brigade,
spent the first three days of May in rest billets in Lederzeele :
the 2nd Lincolnshire, which had been detached from the brigade
for a few days, rejoined on the 2nd of the month.
The 4th, 5th and 6th May saw the transfer of the brigade
from Flanders to the Romigny area. All units entrained at
Arques, near St. Omer, to join the Sixth French Army. On
detraining at-Bouleuse and Salvigny battalions marched to billets
in the neighbourhood of Lhery, on the 6th. The brigade now
formed part of the IX. British Corps.
For a week all ranks enjoyed the comfort of good food and
well-furnished camps. The weather was- exceptionally fine, so
that by the time the brigade took over a sector of the line the
men were quite fit and all ranks had been reorganized and re-
equipped. Training was also carried out.
The sector of the line which the 62nd Brigade was to take over
was held by French Chasseurs a Pied. It was the left sub-sector
of the 21st Divisional front, which extended from Loivre on the
right to the south-eastern outskirts of Berry-au-Bac. All three
brigades of the Division were in the front line, i.e., 64th, 1 ioth,
and 62nd, from right to left. The front line ran generally be-
tween the Aisne-Marne Canal and the famous Route 44 — the
Rheims-Laon-Cambrai road. The main line was between this
road and the Canal, but east of the latter there was an outpost
328
zone.
BATTLE OF THE AISNE [MA y l9 *
The Divisional front faced north-east with the 45th
French Division on the right and the 8 th Division on the left.
The line was reconnoitred during the 10th and nth, and the
relations between French and British officers and men were most
cordial. '
On the 1 2th the brigade marched to an area near Vaux
Varennes, and the following evening the 1st Lincolnshire and
/<SF " Seals
JlMery-Premecy HwHTS m McrRES
3 Miles
j
THE BATTLE OF THE AISNE, igi8
the 1 2 /13th Northumberland Fusiliers relieved the 66th and
50th Chasseurs respectively in the right and left sub-sectors,
while the 2nd Lincolnshire relieved the 71st Battalion Chasseurs,
in reserve at Chalons-la-Vergeur.
The situation in the line is thus described in the Brigade
Diary : " From the time the Brigadier assumed command of
3 2 9
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
the sector- on the 14th till the commencement of the second
battle of the Aisne at 1 a.m. on May the 27th, the enemy dis-
played very little activity in any area."
The 1 st Battalion took over the Moulin de Cormicy sub-
sector on the 1 3th, but until the 1 9th there is nothing of interest
to record. On that date, however, a patrol of one officer and
five other ranks encountered a German patrol from twenty to
thirty strong apparently sent to raid one of the Lincolnshire
posts. The enemy was dispersed with Lewis gun fire.
On the 21st the 2nd Battalion relieved the 1st, the latter
marching back to " A " Camp at Chalons-la- Vergeur.
The intimation of an imminent great hostile attack is contained
in the Diary of the 1st Battalion for the 26th of May : " At 8
p.m., a warning was received that an attack on a large scale was
expected the following morning, to be preceded by a gas bom-
bardment beginning at 1 a.m. All ranks were warned and gas
guards posted."
This information was given by German prisoners captured by
the XI. French Corps on the left of the British. Besides this,
our troops reported daily the arrival of reconnoitring parties of
German officers, and the sound of guns being brought up every
night.
The information was correct, for at 1 a.m. on the .27th of
May a terrific bombardment by guns of every calibre opened on
the front and back areas of the whole, Corps sector. Both high-
explosive and gas shells were used in great quantities, the
heaviest concentration being on the main line of resistance. The
bombardment continued until about 4 a.m., when the enemy
attacked under a thick smoke screen and mist as well.
Of the fate of the 2nd Lincolnshire, on the right of the brigade
front, there are no details, only the brief story as related in the
Battalion Diary. Having launched his attack the enemy
apparently broke through the line of posts held by the battalion,
which seems to have been almost immediately surrounded, two
officers and about thirty other ranks only getting away. The
nucleus party and transport moved back to a point (approximately)
one and a half miles south-east of Bouvancourt. At 10 p.m. the
enemy were reported in Bouvancourt. Transport continued the
retirement. Brigade nucleus parties, under command of Major
Winter, Northumberland Fusiliers, after covering the retirement,
moved to Pevy.
On the 28th, at 6 a.m., a defensive position was taken up on
the high ground east of Prouilly. This position, though heavily
attacked, was held until the evening, when the whole Force was
ordered to withdraw across the Vesle River. The brigade
nucleus party was then ordered to defend a portion of the river,
330
THE ist LINCOLNSHIRE [mat 27 th, i 9 is
and a line of posts were occupied about one mile east of Muizon.
This line was held until 7.30 p.m. on the 29th."
On the 29th : " The enemy made repeated attacks during the
day, but were held off until evening. About 7 p.m. a heavy-
enemy bombardment commenced. This lasted till 7.30. p.m.
when the line gave way on both flanks. The brigade nucleus
party was almost enveloped before this was discovered, but
managed to withdraw under cover of the woods and after re-
forming, marched to Mery-Premecy."
Meanwhile the 1 st Lincolnshire, when the gas shelling began
on the 27th, put on their gas masks and moved to assembly
positions soon after 5 a.m. Just before 6 a.m. the enemy was
reported to have gained a footing in the front line on the left of
the brigade sector (held by the Northumberland Fusiliers). At
6.20 the battalion moved off — A and B Companies (Captain
Samuelson and Lieutenant Carr) to the northern side of the
Chalons-la- Vergeur— Cormicy road, covering La Chapelle, C and
D Companies (Lieutenants Swaby and Tapsell) to the southern
side of the road covering Cormicy, Battalion Headquarters on
the same road in dug-outs near Brigade Headquarters.
Chalons-la-Vergeur was practically surrounded by wooded
country, the village itself being near the south-western edge of
a large forest which lay south-west of Cormicy. The road to
the latter village lay through the woods. Only between Route
44 and Cormicy was the country clear of woods, but even that
was a country of valleys and hills. The righting, therefore, in
which the Lincolnshire was to be involved, was to be difficult.
Very soon after the battalion had taken up positions a battalion
was reported to have withdrawn from the front line, i.e., the left
sub-sector of the brigade front. The Lincolnshire, therefore,
formed a defensive flank on the left, the left of the battalion
being in touch with some French Territorials who had been
moved up to support. The defensive flank, under Captain
Samuelson, was formed only just in time to prevent the enemy
gaining a foothold in the wood. In the meantime, the enemy
attacked north of Cormicy, but was repulsed with heavy losses.
By 1 p.m. the situation became acute : the enemy had broken
through and had completely worked round the left flank. _ On the
right he had occupied Cormicy, where C and D Companies, after
smashing three successive attacks, had been compelled to with-
draw to another position. At 3 p.m., the battalion was ordered
to fall back on the line of the Cormicy-Chalons-la-Vergeur road,
as both flanks were in the air. A line was then formed facing
north-west and continued along the line by the 4th Staffords.
Here the enemy was held until 8 p.m. At that hour, however,
Battalion Headquarters received a message that C and D
331
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
Companies on the right were being hard pressed and that the
Germans had worked completely round the left flank, occupying
Chalons-la-Vergeur. The Lincolnshire were, therefore, almost
surrounded and only a quick withdrawal could save them. Under
cover of a rearguard which kept the enemy at bay, the battalion
was extricated, and after getting clear of the Chalons-la-Vergeur
road moved via Vaux Varennes to high ground near the Ferme
de l'Epinette, north-east of Pevy. The time was now i a.m.,
28th. Touch was obtained with the remainder of the brigade.
Soon after dawn on the 28th hostile patrols were observed
approaching from the north-west,. but no frontal attack was made
on the Lincolnshire, who held their ground until, both flanks
being completely exposed, another withdrawal became necessary.
At about 8 a.m., therefore, the battalion again fell back to the
Butte de Prouilly, a steep ridge due east of Prouilly, where a
skeleton position had already been taken up by the battalion
nucleus party under Major Vickers. This party formed part
of a composite battalion which had been formed out of the
brigade nucleus parties 1 and stragglers, and sent to the Butte
by order of the 62nd Brigade Commander. The Lincolnshire
held the most northerly sector of the hill, with a French unit
on the right and the remainder of the 62 nd Brigade on the left.
But the enemy had followed up quickly, and covered by
machine-gun. and close-range artillery-fire, pressed his attack.'
At first he made no progress, all his attempts being repulsed.
Then he tried pushing forward small parties with machine-guns
and by 3 p.m. had driven the troops on the left from the forward
slopes of the hill. At 4.30 p.m. he tried to carry the ridge, but
failed. Again he tried the system of pushing small parties for-
ward with machine-guns over the crest and under cover of the
crops, which at that period covered the country. All these
attempts broke down under the fire of advanced posts. A small
redoubt, under 2nd Lieutenant Clarkson, which had gallantly
maintained itself all day in an exposed position on the forward
slope of the hill, was largely responsible for the repulse of the
enemy.
In the meantime, at 3 p.m. all other British troops on the hill
had withdrawn and the line was consequently very weak. At
7 p.m. the Brigade Commander ordered the Lincolnshire to
withdraw to the line of the Vesle River. The French on the
right of the battalion had not, however, received their withdrawal
1 Nucleus parties consisted often per cent, of the whole battalion, i.e., officers and other
ranks. They were usually commanded by the second-in-command and kept back at the
transport lines^ while a battalion went into the line. The system was introduced in order
to save a certain number of senior officers and n.c.o.s should a battalion become deci-
mated in an attack. Major E.E.F. Baker commanded the 2nd Battalion nucleus
party.
332
THE ist LINCOLNSHIRE [may 3 oth, i 9 i8
orders and it was not until our allies reported themselves ready
that the Lincolnshire fell back, the time being about 9.30 p.m.
The battalion then withdrew to Tuileries and reported to Brigade
Headquarters and was placed on the high ground above Sapi-
court in support of two other battalions of the brigade holding
the line of the Vesle. 1
At 1 1 a.m. the next morning (29th) troops on the left of the
Lincolnshire were seen to be withdrawing, and an hour later
the battalion was ordered to form a defensive flank on Hill 202.
This was done though under very heavy shell-fire. At 2 p.m.
the enemy attacked the hill, but was repulsed. He then em-
ployed his usual tactics of working round the flanks and by 4 p.m.
got so far round the left flank that he could sweep the reverse
slope of the hill with machine-gun fire. By 5 p.m. he was
reported in Treslon and had also gained the crest of Hill 202
on the right of the Lincolnshire sector, after having first driven
back the French troops. On the left also French troops were
completely outflanked and compelled to fall back.
Once again the ist Lincolnshire by a very gallant rearguard
action had given material assistance to the retirement of the
whole division, and of neighbouring divisions.
The ist Lincolnshire now numbered only about seventy all
ranks. They had for three days withstood the onslaughts of
vastly superior numbers of the enemy, and had beaten them
again, and again, but now, terribly weak as they were, it was
impossible to hold on, and so they withdrew, taking up a position
on a sunken road between Germigny and Bouleuse. The
remnants of this gallant battalion reached their new position at
7 p.m. : they numbered then only eight officers and forty-two
other ranks. At 9.30 p.m. orders were received to report to
Brigade Headquarters at Mery-Premecy, and when that had been
done, all ranks, tired and worn out, were allowed a few hours'
rest.
Although the Lincolnshire were on the road again at 2 a.m.
on the 30th of May en route to Marfaux, their part in the Battle
of the Aisne 191 8 was not over. They reached Marfaux at
6.30 a.m., found their transport waiting for them and a hot meal
available. Then at 1 1.30 a.m., they marched to Damery, which
was reached at about 6 p.m. On the 31st they moved to
1 The narrative of the 62nd Brigade Headquarters states : " Our men maintained their
positions on the ridge and fought a splendid rearguard action to positions behind the River
Vesle, a withdrawal necessitated by the situation on the right. The last to leave the posi-
tion on the hill were the ist Xincolnshire Regiment, under Lieut.-Colonel Gush, M.C.,
who were the right flank of the brigade. They did not arrive south of the Vesle until
11 p.m. Their tenacious fighting had completely deceived the enemy, who imagined
the line still held intact along the whole spur, and this fact enabled the remnants of the
other units to withdraw, reorganise and take up position preparatory to the fresh German
advance."
333
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
Soulieres, arriving at 3.30 p.m. En route they marched past the
Divisional Commander, who congratulated Colonel Gush on the
magnificent fight which the 1st Battalion had put up during the
previous three days. At 7.30 p.m. an order was received from
Brigade Headquarters to provide seven officers and one hundred
and eighty-seven other ranks to form part of the 62nd Composite
Battalion, which was returning to hold the line of the Marne
River early the following morning. Major Yickers commanded
this battalion. Several small parties had rejoined which had
been absorbed into other units during the recent operations but,
all told, the 1st Lincolnshire could not muster more than one
hundred and eighty other ranks. Only seven officers and one
hundred and sixty-eight other ranks could, therefore, be pro-
vided, and these left Soulieres at 8 a.m. on the 1st of June to
form part of the 21st Independent Brigade.
The skeleton of the battalion left behind marched to Ville
Venard on the 3rd of June to Beauvais le Houe on the 9th, and
entrained at Sezanne on the 14th for Longpre ; Finally, the
battalion marched to Andainville on the 17th. The following
day a draft of three hundred and five other ranks arrived : all
practically came from the 1 /5th Lincolnshire, which had just
previously been reduced to a training cadre.
On the 20th the party sent to join the 21st Independent Bri-
gade retured. It had not been involved in any infantry action
and, barring shell-fire, the period spent away from the battalion
was uneventful.
Following a move to Rieux on the 21st of June the 1st
Lincolnshire settled down for a few days training and reorganiza-
tion until the end of the month. On the 30th Lieut.-Colonel
H.W. Gush handed over command of the battalion to Lieut.-
Colonel M.N. Irwin (Essex Regiment).
_ What remained of the 2nd Lincolnshire passed through a
similar experience. From Mery-Premecy they also marched to
Marfaux and Soulieres. But they were so weak in numbers
that only four officers and fifty-eight other ranks could be pro-
vided on the 1 st of June for the 2 1st Independent Brigade, which
held the line of the Marne from the 1st to the 19th of June.
There was no fighting.
Battalion Headquarters and the small nucleus party of the
2nd Battalion left behind, moved also to Ville Venard (where, on
the 5th, Lieut.-CoIonel E.P. Lloyd arrived and assumed com-
mand, vice Major E.E.F. Baker, Middlesex Regiment), Beau-
vais and Sezanne, entraining at the latter place for Longpre
(15th June) whence, on arrival, they marched to Hallencourt.
Another move, on this occasion to Aumatre, where on the 19th
fifteen officers and five hundred and seventy-four other ranks as
334
CASUALTIES ON THE AISNE [MAY t 9t t
reinforcements joined, was followed by a march to Bazinval on
the 22nd and Melleville on the 23rd, where the remainder of
the month was spent. The party from the 21st Independent
Brigade rejoined on the 1 9th at Aumatre.
In the Battle of the Aisne 191 8 the officer casualties
suffered by the 1st and 2nd Lincolnshire were as follows : 1st
Battalion — Lieutenant R.M. Carr, 2nd Lieutenants J.G. Pippet,
P.D. Brock killed ; Major the Hon. H.W. Littleton, Captain
F.M. Upson, 2nd Lieutenants G.B. Clarkson, A.H. Breese, F.
Guthrie, F.R. Ellis, F.R.A. Mott and S.W. Dove wounded ;
2nd Lieutenants J. Higgins and H.G. Calver missing. The
Battalion Medical Officer (Captain S.H, Moore, Royal Army
Medical Corps) was also among the missing. 1 The 2nd Bat-
talion had two officers wounded (Lieutenant F.F. Davies and
2nd Lieutenant W.E. Deavin), one wounded and missing
(2nd Lieutenant H.W. Hartley) and the following officers
missing — Lieut.-Colonel R. Bastard, Captains J.T. Preston, H.
Marshall, G.R. Holliday, Lieutenant G. Matson and 2nd
Lieutenants F. Donell, F. Havers, G. Race, M.D. Grieve, V.
Nocton, S.G. Sole, A.R. Brady, E.L. Jones, B.W. Pye, LJ.
Turner and R.W. Ogersy. The Battalion Medical Officer
(Lieutenant A. McCormick) was also among the missing.
No records exist of the losses in other ranks. 2
1 The Brigade Headquarters Diary also notes Lieutenant J.E. Tillett as " missing,"
but as " Officers killed in the War " records that he was killed in action on the roth of
October, 191 8, it is probable he rejoined the battalion before (or after) the Aisne operations
were over.
a The 62nd Brigade Diary gives the total losses of the brigade as fifty-two killed, two
hundred and thirty-nine wounded, and eight hundred and eighty-two missing.
335
THIS IS A BLANK PAGE
PART NINE
THE ADVANCE TO VICTORY
THIS IS A BLANK PAGE
THE TIDE TURNS [A uk. I9l8
I
THE BATTLE OF AMIENS : 8TH-I ITH AUGUST, I918
FOLLOWING on the breakdown of the German attacks on
the Lys, two periods ensued along the British front which
Sir Douglas Haig refers to as (i) the period of Active De-
fence, during which reorganization of the whole line took place,
(ii) the period of Offensive Action, which finally ended in the
complete defeat of the German Armies. 1
On the British front the first objectives were disengagement
of Amiens and the freeing of the Paris-Amiens railway.
The plan of the Amiens operation was to strike in an easterly
and south-easterly direction, using the Somme River to cover
the left flank of the advance with the object of gaining the line
of the Amiens outer defences between Le Quesnel and Mericourt-
sur-Somme.
The Battle of Amiens took place on the 8 th of August, "the
Black Day of the German Army," 2 and was a splendid success,
all objectives being gained, and by the 13th nearly twenty-two
thousand prisoners and over four hundred guns had been
captured.
In this battle the 7th Lincolnshire Regiment was in the battle
area, the 1 7th Division being in General Headquarters Reserve.
The 7th Lincolnshire were last mentioned on the 5th of April
at Mirvfaux. They did not return to the front line until the
15th, when the 17th Division relieved the 63rd Division in the
line from Aveluy Wood-Mesnil, the battalion taking over the
line from the Artists' Rifles. On that date 2nd Lieutenant T.
Penn and two other ranks were killed and fourteen other ranks
wounded. The enemy were active and before the Lincolnshire
were relieved on the 30th they had lost many men. 2nd
Lieutenant A.R.E. Outwin was wounded on the 22nd and 2nd
Lieutenant J.E. Hedges on the 27th. On relief the battalion
marched to Forceville, where training was carried out until a
move was made to Acheux on the 10th of May, Talmas on the
1 8 th and Puchvillers on the 20th. Of actual fighting there was
little, for the enemy also had to recuperate after his violent efforts
of March and April. Colonel Metcalfe returned to the battalion
on the 14th of June and Major Peddie reverted to second-in-
command.
On the 1st of August the 7th were north of Bouzincourt in
Brigade Reserve, but that night sent a raiding party into the front
line consisting of 2nd Lieutenants Crisp and Maxwell, and forty
1 Despatc/b of the 21st Dec, 1918, Paris I and II.
2 General Ludendorff' s description.
339
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
other ranks. The raid was fruitless as the enemy's trenches were
found to be empty, but both officers were wounded.
On the 8 th, when the Battle of Amiens opened, the Lincoln-
shire were at Touten court, but under sudden orders the 51st
Brigade Group moved out of that area and joined the Fourth
Army on the Somme, being attached to the Australian Corps,
the battalion billeting at La Motte. On the 10th they moved
to Vaux-sur-Somme and on the night of the 12th /13th relieved
Australian troops at Proyart. The relief was not without loss
for Lieutenant R.C. Lluellyn was killed and 2nd Lieutenant S.J.
Eastmead wounded.
The Battle of Amiens was the prelude to three months of
brilliant fighting, first in entrenched positions and then in open
warfare, the British Armies, with their Allies, advancing without
a check from one victory to another.
II
THE SECOND BATTLES OF THE SOMME, I918
(i) The Battle of Albert, 191 8 : ii.st-Q.yrd August
On the 2 1 st of August a limited attack north of the Ancre
to gain the general line of the Arras-Albert railway was launched
at 4.55 a.m. by the Third Army. The front of attack extended
for about nine miles from Miraumont to Moyenneville In this
battle the 1st, 2nd, 7th and 8th Lincolnshire were engaged.
Five Divisions delivered the opening assault, of which the
37th was one, the 8th Lincolnshire of the 63rd Brigade support-
ing the 8 th Somerset (the left front-line battalion of the brigade), ■
which attacked the enemy's main line of resistance, which ran
in a north-easterly direction from south-east of Bucquoy to
Ablainzeville.
The 8 th Battalion had, from the close of the German offensive
on the Somme, taken their part in what Sir Douglas Haig called
the " period of active defence," but up to the time of the assault
on the 2 1st of August there is little of interest in the battalion
Diary. From the 5th of April to " Y " day (day before zero
day) the battalion still held trenches in the Bucquoy sector (west
of the village), or was billeted in rest areas behind the lines. 1
One entry in the diary, however, cannot be passed over : on
the 10th of July it is announced that the Battalion Padre — the
1 Casualties in officers during the period were 2nd Lieutenant F.L. Woollatt (wounded
1 5M tS )t *nd Lieutenant J.R. Bousfield (-wounded 29/4/18), 2nd Lieutenant Naylor
(wounded 17/7 /18).
340
THE 8th LINCOLNSHIRE [A uo. *oth, i 9 is
Rev. T. Bayley Hardy, D.S.O., M.C.— had been awarded the
VX. " for most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on
many occasions." There were four dates upon which the brave
Chaplain's conduct was specially brought to notice, i.e., £th,
25th, 26th and 27th of April, 1918,
Although over fifty years of age Padre Hardy's fearlessness
and devotion to men of his battalion, and quiet unobtrusive
manner, won the respect and admiration of the whole Division.
His marvellous energy and endurance would have been remark-
able even in a very much younger man. His valour and devo-
tion are exemplified in the following incidents : an infantry
patrol had gone out to attack a German post on the ruins of a
village and Padre Hardy, being then at Company Headquarters
and hearing firing, followed the patrol. About four hundred
yards from our front line he found an officer of the patrol danger-
ously wounded, with whom he remained until assistance could
be obtained to carry the officer in. During the period there was
a good deal of firing and a hostile patrol actually penetrated be-
tween the spot where the officer was lying and our front line.
On the second occasion after a shell had exploded in the middle
of one of the battalion's posts, the Rev. Hardy made his way to
the spot despite the shell and trench-mortar fire going on all
the time. On arriving at the post he set to work to extricate the
buried men and got one man out alive who had been completely
buried : a second man, when he was extricated, was dead.
During the whole of the time he was digging the Chaplain was in
great danger not only from shell-fire but from the dangerous
condition of a wall which had been hit by the shell which buried
the men. On a third occasion, with an n.c.o., he carried a
wounded man back to our lines. Absolutely regardless of his
own safety, he frequently tended the wounded under artillery,
machine-gun and trench-mortar fire which caused many casual-
ties. 1
On the 20th of August the 8th Lincolnshire moved forward
to their assembly positions west of Bucquoy. Their orders for
the attack on the 2 1st were — two companies to follow the reserve
companies of the 8th Somerset and, unless they were required
to take part in the attack, consolidate a line of posts along the
enemy's outpost line after the latter had been captured. The
remaining companies were to move forward and occupy a line
of posts in Brigade Reserve.
The attack, which took place at 4.55 a.m., on the 21st, went
splendidly. All objectives were captured and a line east of
Bucquoy was consolidated. The 5th Division then passed
through the 37th to capture a further objective.
1 The Rev. T.B. Hardy died of wounds on the 18th of October.
341
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
The 8th Lincolnshire were not called upon to attack the
enemy, though the battalion was under heavy shell-fire all day :
casualties were, however, light — three other ranks killed and
six wounded.
Meanwhile, on the right of the attack, the 2 ist Division
(V. Corps) had been ordered to cover the right of the attack
of the IV. Corps by clearing the northern bank of the Ancre
about Beaucourt. In this attack the ist and 2nd Lincolnshire
took part,
Both the ist and 2nd Battalions had passed almost the whole
of July out of the line training, for the reinforcements received
THE SECOND BATTLES OF THE SOMME
(excepting those from the 2 /5th Lincolnshire) were mostly young
soldiers. But on the 28th the two battalions took over front-line
trenches east of Mailly Maillet.
On the 7th of August the 2nd Lincolnshire raided the enemy's
trenches, but found them empty. This raid, though abortive,
was nevertheless instructive to those who had never before
advanced under a barrage.
The ist Lincolnshire were to raid the Germans, and began
training on the nth of August, but on the .14th the enemy
evacuated his positions in Beaumont Hamel, Serre and Puisieux,
but still held the left bank of the Ancre as far north as Beaucourt.
Second Lieutenant P.J. Baldwin was wounded on this day.
On the 1 8 th the enemy, having first shelled the outpost line,
attempted a daylight raid on the left front of the 2nd Battalion.
About one hundred Germans advanced, but fell back when fired
342
THE 2nd LINCOLNSHIRE [ATO . 2 oth, t 9 is
on. About this date Company Commander, Captain H.W.
Firth was captured after visiting the right forward post. An
easy thing to happen as only a " stop " in the trench divided our
line from that of the Germans, which continued along the same
trench down to the river. He was reported missing. Some
weeks elapsed before we heard he was a prisoner.
■Orders for. the attack on the 21st were issued on the 20th.
The 2 1 st Division, in co-operation with bigger operations on the
flanks, was to capture (i) Beaucourt, (ii) prolong the right of the
attack of the Division on the left, (iii) endeavour to exploit
success south of the River Ancre.
Operations (i) and (ii) were to be carried out simultaneously
by the 62 nd Brigade under a creeping barrage at zero hour,
known as " Z.i " : at " Z.2 " the 1 10th Brigade was to carry
out operation (iii). Two companies of the 2nd Lincolnshire
were to carry out operation (i), while to the 1st Battalion was
allotted operation (ii).
The success of the initial attack in the 21st Division area and
the possibility of carrying out the further phases of the operations
depended to a great extent on the capture of Beaucourt.
The village (a mere heap of rubble) was on the right flank of
the outpost line held by the 2nd Lincolnshire. On the night
of the 20th /21st August the 2nd Battalion held the following
positions : C Company (right outpost) on the slopes between
the Beaucourt and Serre roads, north-west of Beaucourt ; B
Company on the high ground along the Beaucourt-Serre road
on the left of C Company : B and C Companies each had piquets
in shell-hole posts ; A and D Companies were in support south
of Beaumont Hamel. The enemy held a line of posts about
three hundred yards in front of C and B Companies, _ with a
machine-gun post in Luminous Avenue, a trench which ran
parallel with, and south of, the Beaucourt road.
About 9 p.m. the enemy made a determined attempt to rush
the left piquet of B Company. The strength of the hostile
party was about fifty. They attempted to rush both flanks, but
were met by a steady fire. 2nd Lieutenant A. Farman then
took a party out to the left flank, but as soon as they emerged
from the post the Germans at once withdrew. Just after mid-
night A and D Companies in support were heavily gas-shelled
until 2.15 a.m. This shelling considerably interfered with the
two companies which had been detailed for the attack. Several
men were seriously gassed, but the remainder, though all were
suffering from the effects of the gas, carried on.
By 5.35 a.m. on the 21st, A and D Companies were ready
formed up in their assembly positions, which ran from north-east
to south-west across Luminous. Avenue : a bombing party from
343
HISTORY OF . THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
C Company was between the inner flanks of the two companies
At zero hour a hurricane barrage fell, and in addition a Stokes gun
barrage was placed on the enemy's front, covering Beaucourt,
and selected targets. This fire was very well directed, driving
the enemy into his deep dug-outs. Simultaneously with the
barrage A and D Companies advanced to the attack. The Diary
states that : "So eager were the men that they were able to keep
close up to the fast-moving barrage." The bombing party from
C Company rushed the hostile post, capturing eight prisoners
and a machine-gun. A Company advanced along Luminous
Avenue and met with little opposition until reaching Railway
Road (on the northern bank of the Ancre), where machine-gun
fire temporarily held up the advance. A Lewis gun section,
however, was brought into action and the enemy retired. The
Company then moved forward to the railway, which was con-
solidated.
D Company, keeping Luminous Avenue on their left, ad-
vanced without difficulty. The leading wave dashed ahead and
reached Railway Road : the two platoons following encountered
many Germans coming out of the numerous deep dug-outs on
all sides. These were bombed and many taken prisoners. One
party of the enemy was seen on the right flank in Railway Road,
and these, after being fired on by Lewis guns, surrendered.
Since the movements of the remainder of the 21st Division
depended on the capture of Beaucourt, it was essential that news
of the success of the attack should reach the Headquarters of the
Division as early as possible. Visual communication was impos-
sible on account of the early morning mist, and lack of light.
" Runners " could not be depended on owing to heavy shelling,
and the difficulty of getting through gas-contaminated areas ;
and in any case would have been too slow. Carrier pigeons were
therefore used and delivered their message within a few minutes
of the capture of the village. They were released by battalion
signallers, and anxious moments followed in wondering whether
they would be able to carry out their mission in spite of darkness,,
mist and shell fumes.
There was a short delay in Beaucourt while dug-outs were
searched and small parties of the enemy .rounded up : the
platoons then advanced to the railway. A Company then set to
work to consolidate the line of the railway, while D Company
formed a support line along Railway Road. Three German
officers and ninety other ranks were captured by the 2nd Lin-
colnshire, in this attack.
At 2 p.m., the two companies holding the outpost line (B and
C) were ordered to advance to the line reached by the ist
Battalion, and attack through the latter.
344
THE ist LINCOLNSHIRE [ATO . „», X9t «
Meanwhile the ist Lincolnshire advanced in accordance with
the order to prolong the attack of the 42nd Division on their left.
The battalion's first objective was a sunken road running north-
west from Baillescourt Farm (north-east of Beaucourt) : the ist
Lincolnshire were, therefore, on the left of the 2nd Battalion.
At 3 a.m. 2 1 st August, companies formed up in their pre-
liminary assembly positions in Wagon Road (the road between
Beaumont Hamel and Serre), B and D formed the first wave,
C and A the second wave. By zero, companies were formed up
in their assembly positions, i.e., Serre road, due east of Wagon
road.
At zero the battalion advanced and reached a ravine (probably
the Puisieux road) without opposition : a few prisoners were
taken en route. But now hostile machine-gun fire came from a
line of German trenches ahead. C Company was then sent
down the ravine to attack north-east through the Bois d'Hollande
and gain touch with D Company attacking ahead. A Company
was also sent south to support C, B being withdrawn to support
D Company.
On the left D Company successfully gained touch with the
42nd Division. On the right C Company reached a line north
and south through the line of trenches previously mentioned,
but was then held up by machine-gun fire.
The ist Lincolnshire received orders that two companies of
the 2nd Battalion (referred to above) would be attached and were
to advance through the battalion and capture a road running
north-west from the southern outskirts of Miraumont. The
attack by B and C Companies of the 2nd Lincolnshire reached
the sunken road running north-west from Baillescourt Farm, and
here they halted and consolidated. 1
Thus Beaucourt had fallen again into our hands, never to be
taken from us again. The official despatch records the assistance
this success afforded : "The 21st Division of the V. Corps
assisted by clearing the north bank of the Ancre about Beaucourt,
and as a result of the whole operation the positions we, required
from which to launch our principal attack were gained success-
fully with over two thousand prisoners."
On the 13th August the 7th Lincolnshire held trenches in
front of Mericourt, but were relieved by Australian troops on the
1 6th and moved to billets in Fouilloy. The three days had been
expensive : on the 13th 2nd Lieutenant F.W. Daulton was
wounded and on the following day three other ranks were killed,,
ten wounded and three missing. The enemy shelled the line
heavily with gas on the 15th and Major T.A. Peddie, Captain
and Adjutant G.J. Walley, 2nd Lieutenant W.J. Blake and
1 Lieutenant G.P. Walton was killed during this advance.
345
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
Lieutenant E. Cansfield, Royal Army Medical Corps (the
Battalion Medical Officer) and no less than one hundred and ten
other ranks were " gassed." Several moves followed the march
to Fouilloy, and on the 21st when the battle opened the 7th
Battalion (with the 51st Brigade Group) reached Hedauville,
where they bivouacked east of the village, under short notice
to move forward. The 1 7th Division was detailed as " Exploiting
Division," but made no advance between the 2ist-23rd August.
Hedauville is about two miles north-west of Albert.
The limited attack north of the An ere on the 21st, having
gained its objectives, the 22nd was used for getting fresh troops
and guns into position, and advancing the left of the Fourth
Army between the Somme and the Ancre. The principal attack
was launched on the 23rd by the Third Army and those divisions
of the Fourth Army north of the Somme.
Neither the 1st nor the 2nd Lincolnshire moved on the 22nd :
the 64th Brigade made good the crossing of the Ancre from
Grandcourt to Beaucourt.
The 8th Lincolnshire on the 22nd moved into the valley east
of Ablainzeville. At 1 1 a.m. on the 23rd the battalion advanced
in a south-easterly direction as left support to the 1 1 ith Brigade,
which was attacking Achiet-le-Grand and Bihucourt, finally
establishing itself in trenches north of the latter village. At
5.30 p.m. an attempt to advance through the outpost line and
gain further ground east was met by violent machine-gun fire,
and the battalion was forced to fall back to its original position.
The advance began again on the morning of the 24th of
August. The 17th, 21st and 37th Divisions pushed on and
the four Lincolnshire battalions once again fought their way
across a portion of the old German battlefields of 1 9 1 6 and 1 9 1 7.
Over the very ground which witnessed the great retreat of the
Third Army in March 19 18, the enemy was driven back to the
Hindenburg Line.
The 7th Lincolnshire (in brigade) marched in battle order via
Mailly Maillet, Auchonvillers, thence over our old front line,
Hamel, then crossing the Ancre and bivouacking on the eastern
bank. East of Thiepval, at 8.30 p.m., it took up an assembly
position in artillery formation on the northern side of the
Pozieres-Thiepval road. At 10.30 p.m., as right front bat-
talion of the 51st Brigade, it advanced due east to Courcelette.
Beyond the latter village it was held up by machine-gun fire and
took position north-west of Martinpuich, at 5 a.m. on the 25th.
On the left of the 17th Division the 21st also advanced. B
and D Companies of the 1st Lincolnshire relieved the 1st East
Yorks along the avenue north of Graincourt on the night of the
23rd — A and C Companies were in reserve in the sunken road
346
FOUR LINCOLNSHIRE BATTALIONS [A uo. * s ™, , 9 i8
running north from Beaucourt. The 64th Brigade attacked
south of the Ancre and at 9 a.m. on the 24th, the Lincolnshire
concentrated north of the river^ just west of Bois d'Hollande.
An hour later they moved to the Ravine, south-east of Grand-
court, where they remained all day until about 4.30 p.m., when
they moved to Boom Ravine, south of Miraumpnt. Finally,
they concentrated in the East Miraumont road (south-west of
Pys) with a view to a further advance in the morning, the 1 10th
Brigade having been ordered to make good the ground west of
Le Sars during the night of the 24th /25th.
At 2 p.m. on the 24th, B and C Companies of the 2nd Lincoln-
shire, with Battalion Headquarters, moved across the Ancre, also
to the Boom Ravine and finally took up position on the left of the
1st Battalion.
The 8th Lincolnshire, passed the night of the 23rd in trenches
north of Bihucourt, moved forward at 4.30 a.m. on the 24th and
assembled on a general line on the eastern edge of the village
with the object of pushing north-east of Biefvillers. At 2 p.m.
they moved round the south-western edge of Bihucourt into a
valley south-east, assembling there with the intention of estab-
lishing a line from Bihucourt to Biefvillers. The move was,
apparently, successful for at night the battalion was astride the
road between the two villages, with the Middlesex and Somerset
on their right. Dawn broke on the 25th with heavy mist which
lasted until nearly 7 a.m. But long before that hour battalions
were again advancing.
The 7th Lincolnshire, pushing eastwards from Courcelette,
reached a line crossing a spur north-east of Martinpuich ; from
this position they again advanced and at nightfall held a north
and south line south of Eaucourt TAbbaye. Twice they were
counter-attacked by the enemy, but on each occasion the enemy
was easily repulsed.
There are no records of the battalion's losses in other ranks on
the 25th, but in officers they lost 2nd Lieutenant CD. Naylor
(killed) and 2nd Lieutenants J.H. Gouldby, J.G. Harrison and
H.R. Tobin wounded : 2nd Lieutenant T.A. Grunale was
slightly wounded but remained at duty.
With the sunken road running south from Le Barque as their
first objective, the 1st Lincolnshire advanced at 6 a.m., C Company
leading with three fighting patrols distributed over the battalion
frontage, followed by B and D Companies in lines of platoons in
artillery formation : A Company was in Battalion Reserve. On
the high ground west of Le Sars the advance was held up by
machine-gun fire, which came mostly from a spur between the
village and Warlencourt. The artillery were asked to barrage the
line Le Sars-Destremont Farm from 10.30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and
347
HISTORY OF THfe LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
the brigade caused a Stokes mortar to fire on the most active of
the enemy machine-guns. The latter were silenced and the
enemy withdrew, but, as the guns put down a barrage at 1 1 a.m.,
the battalion could not advance, and lack of communication made
it impossible to cancel the barrage.
At 1 1 a.m. (when the guns lifted their fire) the advance was
continued and the final objective reached at about 12.30 p.m.
without serious opposition. There was, however, a gap of about
one thousand yards between the right of the battalion and the
left of the 1 7th Division, which had been held up, and to cover
this, A Company was echeloned to the right of B Company. The
gap was filled by other troops during the night of the 25th /26th.
A hostile counter-attack which developed during the night was
repulsed, the left of D Company co-operating. B and C Com-
panies of the 2nd Lincolnshire followed in rear of the 1st Bat-
talion, and although the morning was misty, direction was main-
tained. The Battalion Diary records that " a feature of this
advance was the fast pace at which the battalion moved."
When the two leading battalions were held up west of Le Sars,
C Company of the 2nd Lincolnshire sent out a patrol which gained
touch with the 7th Lincolnshire, of the 1 7th Division, in Cource-
lette, whilst B Company outflanked the enemy, by whom the
1st Lincolnshire and 12th /13th Northumberland Fusiliers were
held up : the hostile machine-guns were then withdrawn, though
one of them fell into the hands of the 2nd Lincolnshire. D
Company reached the northern outskirts of Le Sars without
further opposition and later continued the advance to Blue Cut
(south of Le Barque) and, moving north into the village, drove
back a hostile counter-attack. The Battalion Diary states that
this company was continually engaged throughout the day with
the enemy in Le Barque, but maintained its position there.
C Company at 2 p.m. moved to a valley east of Le Sars and
took up a position there in consequence of hostile troops being
seen coming up over the high ground east of Eaucourt l'Abbaye,
between the right of the brigade and the left of the 1 7th Division.
This company, with Battalion Headquarters, moved at 5 p.m. to
support the 6th Leicesters, holding a line through " Site of
Mill," on the Le Sars-Eaucourt l'Abbaye road. At 10 p.m.,
B Company was relieved and moved to a trench south of Le
Barque.
The 37th Division cleared Favreuil late in the evening of the
25th after confused fighting, but the 63rd Brigade was in
reserve and the 8th Lincolnshire, having moved forward in an
easterly direction at 6.30 p.m., established themselves in the
neighbourhood of the Sapignies-Bapaume road.
From and including the 26th of August to the 30th, the 1st
34*
CASUALTIES [aug. 2ist-z8th, 1918
2nd, 7th and 8th Lincolnshire saw little fighting, though the
advance continued. The 1st Lincolnshire were at Le Sars
reorganising, the 2nd were at Warlencourt, the 7th in Martin-
puich Valley, and the 8 th in huts north-east of Achiet-le-Petit.
The 1st Battalion lost between the 2 1st and 28th Captain
F.C.M. McKellar, Lieutenant H. Wild, 2nd Lieutenant F.W.
Gibbon and twenty-nine other ranks killed, Captain F.H. Young
and two other ranks died of wounds, Captain H.L. Dent, 2nd
Lieutenants W.J. Allan, W. Thain, W. Tapsell, M.L. Barlow
and one hundred and sixty-six other ranks wounded and twenty
other ranks missing. The losses of the 2nd Battalion from the
20th of August to the 29th /30th of August are given as Lieu-
enant G.P. Walton, and twenty-one other ranks killed, 2nd
Lieutenant F.I. Constantine died of wounds, Lieutenant H.P.T.
Pryce and seventy-one other ranks wounded, and fifteen other
ranks missing. The 7th Lincolnshire lost eight officers and
two hundred and three other ranks, but the 8 th do not state their
losses.
At the end of the Diary of the 2nd Lincolnshire for August
there is a brief summing-up of the battalion's work during the
month, and looking back over the years to that tense period, it is
interesting to note the spirit of all ranks : " The men had
behaved in a manner beyond praise and had responded to all
calls in a cheerful and willing manner ... all ranks have shown
fine spirit and determination. . . . The operations from August
the 1 7th have greatly raised the moral of the men, who are now
prepared for any exceptional strain which they may be called
upon to undergo. Every man is satisfied that it requires several
Bosches to equal one of ours."
There is also a note to the effect that the battalion was
equipped with thirty-six Lewis guns — two with each platoon and
four at Battalion Headquarters.
Ill
THE SECOND BATTLES OF THE SOMME, I918
(ii) The Second Batile of Bapaume, 31J/ August-
yd September
The 1st, 2nd, 7th and 8 th Lincolnshire were all in the area of
this battle, though without taking part in the actual fighting.
The 1st Battalion on the 1st of September was still at Le Sars
training, but on the 2nd moved to an area immediately east of
Gueudecourtand bivouacked, remaining in that position through-
349
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
out the 3rd. The 2nd Battalion from Warlencourt moved on
the 2nd to the Yellow Line south of Le Barque at 2.30 p.m., but
during the evening was moved to a position south-east of
Gueudecourt, where it remained the following day. The 7th
Lincolnshire rested near Martinpuich on the 1st, but on the 2nd
took up, first a. line north-east of Gueudecourt and later a north
and south line due east of the village. The night of the 3rd,
however, found the 7th Lincolnshire in an old German trench
system running south-east from Barastre and north-east of
Rocquigny. The 8 th Battalion marched out of Achiet-le-Petit
on the 3rd and bivouacked for the night just east of Beugny.
The enemy was now falling back rapidly before the Fourth
and Third Armies to the Hindenburg Line, and for a week the
fighting, though not of a heavy nature, was yet the cause of
numerous casualties. Most of the latter were from machine-gun
fire or shell-fire, for the enemy's infantry made few determined
efforts to hold up our advance. The advance took place over
the old Somme battlefields of 1 9 1 6, 1 9 1 7 and early 1 9 1 8 . Old
trenches, old wire entanglements, old defences were everywhere,
gaping shell-holes and craters on all sides, roads destroyed,
villages in ruins — a desolate and ravished country, the ghastly
evidence of the holocaust which had passed over it. To advance
across such ground was difficult enough, but to fight an enemy
into the bargain made the going terribly heavy.
On the morning of the 4th, the 62nd Brigade moved forward
to an area north and north-west of Rocquigny, and both the 1st
and 2nd Lincolnshire were ordered to establish posts east of that
village. The following night the brigade was ordered to relieve
the 1 14th Brigade in the front line east of Manancourt. The
1 st Battalion relieved the 14th Welch, who had been in action
immediately east of Manancourt, and on the eastern bank of the
Canal du Nord, while the 2nd Battalion took over the line held
by the 14th Royal Welch Fusiliers on the right.
Immediately the reliefs were completed patrols were pushed
out to ascertain if the enemy's resistance showed any sign of
weakening, if so, battalions were to send out advanced guard
patrols and be prepared to support them with the remainder of
the battalion.
On the right the 2nd Lincolnshire reached a line of old
trenches south of Equancourt, while the 1st Battalion, having
first made good some trenches west of the village, occupied
others east of the village. By nightfall the 2nd Lincolnshire
held Sorel-le-Grand with an outpost line pushed out along the
Sorel Spur, while the 1st Battalion was north of the 2nd in Fins,
and on the high ground north of that place.
The two battalions were now advancing over the very ground
35°
THE ist & 2nd LINCOLNSHIRE [sept. 9 th, 1918
they had held in March during the Great German Offensive,
when, outnumbered and having suffered heavy casualties, they
were in retirement. The 2nd Battalion had occupied Sorel
during that tragic retreat.
At 7.20 a.m. on the 7th, the advance began again, the 62nd
Brigade's final objective being the northern end of Peiziere-
Vaucellette Farm— Chapel crossing.
From Sorel-le-Grand the 2nd Lincolnshire began their advance
almost due east at 7.20 a.m. They were making good progress
when B Company, leading, on reaching a ridge some eight
hundred yards south-west of Heudicourt, was held up by
machine-gun fire from the southern extremities of the village.
The advance was then stopped until troops of the 12th Division
came up on the right, but by 9.30 a.m., after the guns had shelled
the enemy's machine-guns, B Company again advanced and
reached the high ground south of Heudicourt. By noon the
battalion held a line south and south-east of the village.
There had been little rifle-fire : the enemy's policy apparently
was to hang on as long as possible with his machine-guns and
then fall back covered by his artillery. The enemy shelled the
whole area occupied by the 2nd Lincolnshire, using mostly
" sneezing gas." During the evening the battalidn formed a
defensive flank facing north, as the ist Lincolnshire had not been
able to secure Revelon Copse. The day's operations had cost
the 2nd Battalion the loss of four officers (Lieutenant J.W.
Brown, 2nd Lieutenants R. Sharpe and J.A. Graves and the
Rev. M. Tron, the Padre, wounded) and approximately ninety
other rank casualties.
Meanwhile the 1st Lincolnshire (on the immediate left of the
2nd), with their first objective the old British line running north
and south-east of Heudicourt, had also advanced at 7.20 a.m.
Stiff resistance was met with on the crest of the Fins Ridge, but
this was soon overcome, and the battalion pushed on to the
objective. C Company worked south to the Revelon Ridge
and Railton. Thirty prisoners had so far been captured, also
several machine-guns. During the night the enemy counter-
attacked from Revelon and also during the early hours of the
8 th : both attacks were beaten off.
The 2nd Battalion made no advance on the 8th, but the ist
pushed out patrols which occupied Revelon, Genin Well Copse
No. 1 . An attempt to occupy Genin Copse No. 2 was frustrated
by the enemy. On the 9th both the ist and 2nd Lincolnshire
were relieved, the former moving back to Etricourt and the
latter to Manancourt.
The 2nd Battalion had two more officers (Captain Rutherford
and Lieutenant Sherwood) wounded on the 8 th of September.
35*
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
On this date also the 2nd Lincolnshire actually held the identical
trenches they were in on the 22nd of March, 1918, during the
German Offensive.
North of the 21st Division the 17th Division had also been
pushing forward vigorously. The j'oth Brigade succeeded in
crossing the Canal du Nord and obtained a footing in Hayette
Wood. At 1 o a.m. on the 4th, the 5 1 st Brigade moved forward
to a north and south line south of Bus, the 7th Lincolnshire being
on the left of the line. At night the 42nd Division, on the left,
captured the Ytres-Equancourt trench line as far south "as
one thousand three hundred yards east of Little Wood, and the
Lincolnshire were ordered to attack the continuation of this
trench from the north, i.e., in a southerly direction.
At 7.30 a.m. on the 5th the battalion marched through Ytres
to its assembly position and at zero (9.30 a.m.) attacked south,
Mouette Trench, their objective being in the sunken road north
of Equancourt. Quite half of the objective had been captured
when, owing to heavy machine-gun fire and bombing attacks, the
battalion was held up. But the position gained was held until
8.30 p.m. that night, when the 7th Border Regiment arrived to
carry on the attack southwards.
The 7th Lincolnshire lost heavily in this attack : three officers
(2nd Lieutenants H.W. Tilbury, E. Tomlinson and G.H.W.
Bloomer) were killed and five (Captain J. Wildy, Lieutenant J.R.
Williams and 2nd Lieutenants J.H. Maxwell, E. Taylor and
A.W.H. Cooper) were wounded : in other ranks killed, wounded
and missing the losses were one hundred and seven. On the
night of the 6 th the battalion was relieved and moved to an area
east of Rocquigny. Several days in reserve or support followed,
and on the 1 ith the 7th Lincolnshire were in huts alongside the
Lechelle-Ytres road.
The 8th Lincolnshire (in brigade) left Beugny on the 4th, and
on the 5th reached the north-western edge of Havrincourt Wood,
where they occupied old trenches. Their brigade (the 63rd)
then held the right sub-sector of the 37 th Divisional front. The
following afternoon patrols reached the western edge of the wood,
and on the 7th the line was pushed forward into the wood to
Clayton Cross ?> along Hubert Avenue to Cheetham Switch. The
enemy's machine-guns were busy, but his artillery was almost
inactive. What shell-fire there was, however, was unpleasant, for
the enemy was using gas and the Lincolnshire had seven casual-
ties. The 8th saw one company of the battalion in Cheetham
Switch, two other ranks being killed and four wounded during
the day. On the 9th a post west of the Canal du Nord was
established, and C Company moved to Yorkshire Bank : one
other rank killed, five wounded and nine gassed were the
3$2
THE 6th LINCOLNSHIRE tAPR . 2ND , I9l8
casualties on that date. On the loth three prisoners were cap-
tured, but heavy shell-fire was responsible for the loss of one
officer (2nd Lieutenant G. Jones) and five other ranks killed,
nine wounded and three gassed.
The next day, the nth, the 63rd Brigade was relieved and
the 8 th Lincolnshire moved back to a camp west of Lebucquiere.
IV
THE SECOND BATTLES OF ARRAS, 1 9 I 8 : THE BATTLE OF THE SCARPE,
26TH— 3OTH AUGUST ; AND THE BATTLE OF DROCOURT-QUEANT,
2ND-3RD SEPTEMBER
" By the 2£th of August our advance had formed a salient of
the German positions opposite Arras," and Sir Douglas Haig's
intention was to attack eastwards from Arras with the First
Army, covered on the left by the Rivers Scarpe and Sensee, and
turn the enemy's positions on the Somme battlefield. {Despatch of
the 21st December, 1 9 1 8, para. 27.)
The 6th Lincolnshire, in the 33rd Infantry Brigade, came into
the area of the Second Battles of Arras, 191 8, towards the end of
August ; but as the battalion has not been mentioned since the
First Battle of Arras, 1 9 1 8, in March, some account of its activities
in the interval, before describing the part it played in breaking
the Hindenburg Line, will not be out of place.
The 6th Battalion spent most of the spring and summer in the
line near Loos. The Battalion Diary mentions a marked increase
in hostile artillery activity between the 15th and 25th of March,
otherwise there is little of interest in the records. The last
sentence in the Diary, however, is as follows : "Preparations
made for a big raid on the right sub-sector."
This raid took place on the morning of the 2nd of April at
8 a.m. The section of the enemy's line raided was a stretch of
trench line (front and two support lines) some three hundred to
four hundred yards in extent, about six hundred yards north of
the Bois Hugo, north-east of Loos.
The object of the raid was to secure identifications, destroy
enemy posts, dug-outs, trench-mortar and machine-gun emplace-
ments.
The raiders consisted of six officers and one hundred and
seventy-two other ranks drawn from C and D Companies. The
officer commanding the raid was Major T.D. Sutherland, Captain
Bone commanding the men of C Company and Captain Shephard
those from D Company. The attack was carried out in three
aa 353
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
waves, Captain Shephard commanding the first wave, Captain
Bone the second wave, and Lieutenant Pattinson the third
wave.
At 7.45 a.m. gas was fired into the German trenches west and
south-west of Hulluch from 4-in. Stokes mortars, which forced
the enemy to wear gas masks and keep below in his dug-outs.
Supported by a heavy barrage on the German trenches and by
trench-mortars and machine-guns and heavy counter-battery work,
the raiders crossed No Man's Land at 8 a.m. They dashed into
the enemy's trenches, but his troops showed little fighting spirit,
all but the crew of a trench-mortar battery, who refused to
surrender and were killed. The front line appeared almost
deserted, for only three Germans were seen in it : three dug-out
shafts were destroyed. The second trench was very shallow :
no trench-mortars were seen. In this line fifteen prisoners were
captured and seven more killed exclusive of those in dug-outs.
Two machine-guns were taken, but the man carrying one was
wounded in No Man's Land and the gun had to be abandoned:
the other was brought in. The third line was found in bad con-
dition, but three dug-outs were destroyed, and a number of
prisoners taken. In all, the raiders captured one officer and
twenty-six other ranks unwounded and four other ranks wounded,
as well as one machine-gun. Many Germans were killed, prin-
cipally in dug-outs, as they refused to come out and surrender.
The losses of the Lincolnshire were four other ranks killed,
fifteen wounded and two other ranks missing.
This highly successful operation drew many congratulations
and the Corps Commander (Lieut-General Sir Arthur Holland)
wrote : "I consider that the results of the raid show that all
details had been carefully planned and for this credit is due to
Major-General H.R. Davies (commanding nth Division) and
Brig.-General F.G. Spring, the Lincolnshire Regiment (com-
manding 33rd Infantry Brigade), who closely supervised all
practices. Great credit is also due to the Officer Commanding
(Lieut-Colonel G.T. Bruce) and all ranks of the 6th Battalion,
Lincolnshire Regiment, for the way in which the plans of the
higher commanders were carried out : fearless and cool leading
among the junior officers and dash and enterprise among the
men were exemplified in the highest degree, and it was these
characteristics which ensured the success which was obtained."
A few days later (on the 7th) the enemy put down on the area
occupied by the Lincolnshire a very heavy gas bombardment
chiefly on battery positions, which lasted fourteen hours, but no
records exist of casualties suffered. On the other hand, when
on the night of the 1 9th /20th of May (the battalion being then in
the right sub-sector of the St. Elie sector) the enemy put about
354
THE 6th LINCOLNSHIRE [A ug. 3 ist, i 9I 8
eight hundred gas projectiles on to the British front ; one officer
and ten other ranks were killed and fifteen other ranks
wounded.
June and July and most of August were without events of
more than ordinary interest. On the 25th of August the Lin-
colnshire were relieved from the Vermelles and Loos area and
moved to- La Thieuloye (twenty miles north-west of Arras) by
rail. On arrival at the latter village the battalion reorganised,
and on the 29 th moved by bus to Ecurie, three miles north of
Arras, where the night was spent in huts.
On the night of the 30th /31st August, after dark, the 33rd
Brigade took over a line from some Canadian machine-gunners,
and in the morning, the Lincolnshire and South Stafrbrds found
''St.Vaast
Scale
THE SECOND BATTLE OF ARRAS, I918.
they were holding a position east of Boiry Notre Dame and ahead
of the 4th Division on their right ; overlooked by Germans on
high ground about Dury, on the opposite bank of the Cojeul
River. The 4th Division took Dury on the 2nd September.
On the night of the 31st August, 2nd Lieutenants Surfleet and
Pitkeathly patrolled towards Sailly-en-Ostrevent and Etaing,
finding these villages strongly held ; both officers brought back
very useful information.
The Battle of the Drocourt-Queant Line was fought on the
2nd /3rd September. In this battle the 1 1 th Division on the left
355
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
bank of the River Cojeul 1 covered the left flank of the 4th Divi-
sion, which attacked in the direction of Etaing, on the opposite
bank of the river. The Canadians, on the right of the 4th Divi-
sion, attacked astride the Arras-Cambrai road. The 33rd
Brigade was the right brigade of the 1 ith Division, and the 6th
Lincolnshire the right battalion of the 33rd Brigade ; it was just
east of Boiry Notre-Dame and in advance of the left of the 4th
Division.
A party of the Lincolnshire, one officer and six or eight men,
was detailed to keep in touch with the 4th Division by moving
along the west (left) bank of the river. The party saw a German
sentry on the opposite bank, over what they correctly assumed
to be a German post, close to the river, and about four hundred
s&s,
■>tmpsons\
Robte ^
,JfiGerman Post
■I
German Post
(Captured)
Lincolnshire
Line
H
4 T . H Division Line
SERGEANT SIMPSON WINS V.C.
yards to their front. Sergeant Simpson volunteered to go
forward and reconnoitre ; there was good cover along the bank,
and by making a detour he got past the post without the German
sentry, who was looking south, seeing him. Sergeant Simpson
determined to capture the post by himself, swam the river,
crawled up to the post in rear of the sentry, and shot him. The
other Germans who were in a dug-out, rushed up, and finding
themselves covered by Simpson, threw their arms down and put
their hands up. The rest of the Lincolnshire patrol then came
up and took the prisoners back over the river by a small bridge
the Germans had made. Another German post, further down
the river towards Etaing, seeing what had happened came out
and attacked our party, which sustained casualties, including 2nd
Lieutenant Barrett ; Simpson again distinguished himself by
* The River Cojeul joins the River Sensee about two thousand yards west of Etaing*
which is, therefore, on the latter river.
3$6
THE BATTLE OF EPEHY [sE pt. rs™, I9l8
remaining to the last and covering the withdrawal. All the
patrol returned safely with wounded men and prisoners. Ser-
geant Simpson was awarded the V.C. {London Gazette, 30^
October, 1918), and shortly afterwards won the D.C.M. for
another act of gallantry. Sergeant Simpson later on changed his
name to Evans.
The 6th Lincolnshire, with the 33rd Brigade, remained in this
area, facing the Germans across the Trinquis River, which runs
from Biache St. Vaast, on the River Scarpe, to Sailly-en-Ostrevent
till the 20th September. The enemy held the latter place in
strength, and our patrols could not get in.
V
THE BATTLES OF THE HINDENBURG LINE : I 2TH SEPTEMBER-
9TH OCTOBER
(i) The Battle of Epehy, iBth September
(See map p. 362)
On the rath of September the villages of Trescault and
Havrincourt were captured (the Battle of Havrincourt, 12th
September) and positions were secured of considerable impor-
tance from which to launch future attacks. By the evening of
the 1 7th the line of the Fourth and Third Armies and the right
of the First Army ran from Holnon (west of St, Quentin), thence
in a slightly north-westerly direction just east of Maissemy,
Hesbecourt, just west of Epehy, Villers-Guislain, Gouzeaucourt,
through Moeuvres to Inchy, from which place it followed the
line of the Hirondelle River to the southern bank of the Scarpe.
At 7 a.m. on the 18 th, the Fourth (Rawlinson) and Third
(Byng) Armies attacked the enemy on a front of about seventeen
miles, from Holnon to Gouzeaucourt, the First French Army
co-operating south of Holnon.
The 1st, 2nd and 7th Lincolnshire took part in this attack.
< The 1st Battalion remained at Etricourt, training and prac-
tising the attack, until the 16th, when a move was made to
Sorel-le-Grand. The 17th was spent in preparing for the
operations due to take place on the 18th. At midnight, 17th/
1 8th, the battalion moved to the assembly positions, i.e., the
Yellow Line, which ran north and south-west of Peiziere and
Epehy, the Lincolnshire's jumplng-off line being north-west of
the latter village. The battalion formed up with D Company
on the right and A on the left, who were to capture the first
objective — a trench immediately west of Vaucellette Farm :
357
HISTORY* OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
C Company on the right, and B on the left, formed the second
line, their task being to capture the second objective — a trench
running north and south immediately east of Vaucellette Farm. 1
The 2nd Lincolnshire were in Divisional Reserve at Manan-
court until the 16th, when they moved forward to the Yellow
Line also north-west of Peiziere, but south of the i st Battalion.
The 1 2th /13th Northumberland Fusiliers were on the left of
the 2nd Lincolnshire and the 1st Lincolnshire on the left of the
Northumberland Fusiliers.
The assembly position astride the Epehy— Heudicourt rail-
way, where the 2nd Battalion formed up on the 1 8th September,
was the exact line held on March 21st and 22nd. Battalion
ration indents, trench notice-boards and other things were found
as they were left when the battalion fell back six months before.
It would probably have been impossible in the appalling weather
conditions for the battalion to have reached its assembly
position without its previous familiarity with the ground. As
it was, the 2nd Battalion only arrived there at zero hour, 5.20
a.m.
The 7th Lincolnshire of the 1 7th Division remained in huts
on the Lechelle-Ypres road until 9.30 p.m. on the night of the
1 7th. They then moved to their assembly positions on the Fins
Ridge, i.e., some old trenches south-east of Dessart Wood, the
move being completed just after 1 a.m. on the 18th. The
enemy's guns were shelling our line with gas, and on passing
through Fins several casualties were suffered : he also put down
a heavy gas bombardment on the assembly positions. At 5.24
a.m., the Lincolnshire moved forward to what had been the old
British front line, i.e., Heather Support, north of Genin Well
Copse No. 1.
The 51st Brigade had been ordered to capture the third
objective (Somme Alley, Lancashire Trench to the southern
outskirts of Villers-Guislain) : the 7 th Lincolnshire were, there-
fore, not in the initial attack.
Heavy rain was falling on the 18 th when zero hour arrived
and the troops advanced. The barrage fell some two hundred
yards in front of the 2nd Lincolnshire and moved forward at
the rate of one hundred yards in four minutes. Along the
railway, south-east of the battalion's forming-up line, consider-
able opposition was experienced, chiefly from machine-guns,
but these were speedily dealt with and the attackers passed on.
The first objective was found to be strongly held, but nothing
could stay the advance of men who had been told, and felt that
victory was within their grasp. They fell upon the enemy with
great determination, bayonets and bombs were used freely and
1 This trench had been the old British front line on the 21st of March, 1918.
358
THE 2nd LINCOLNSHIRE [SE p T . is™, i 9 is
soon the garrisons were overwhelmed and killed, several machine-
guns being captured. The men's dash and determination was
undoubtedly due to a great extent to the knowledge that they
were recovering the ground they had held six months earlier. 1
On reaching the first objective, the second waves of A, C and
D Companies passed through and attacked the second objective.
In front of A Company little opposition was experienced, but in
front of D some machine-guns made things unpleasant until
they were successfully dealt with. B Company then passed
through D Company and attacked and occupied Plane Trench,
EFEHY
the third objective. It was here that two platoons o£B Company,
which had passed their objective in Plane Trench and had ad-
vanced as far as a sunken road north-east, saw a German battery
of 77mm. guns in action. These guns were kept under heavy
rifle-fire until units of the 110th Brigade (which with the 64th
Brigade leap-frogged the 62nd Brigade) passed through and
captured the battery, complete with team and personnel.
On the left of the 2nd Battalion the 12th/ 13th Northumber-
land Fusiliers and the 1st Lincolnshire had also reached their
objectives.
The 1 st Battalion give no details of their advance excepting
1 Some of the prisoners taken on the 18th September belonged to the 10th Jaegers ;
two of their shoulder straps are now in the Officers' Mess of the 2nd Battalion Lincolnshire
Regiment, formerly the ioth Foot.
359
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
the statement that the attack was entirely successful and all
objectives were captured, together with six officers and one
hundred and fifty other ranks, as well as many machine-guns
and much war material.
Orders were received at 10 p.m. to reorganise the 62nd
Brigade front, the 2nd Lincolnshire to hold the right, the
1 2th /13th Northumberland Fusiliers the left, while the 1st
Lincolnshire moved back to support positions in rear of the
Northumberland Fusiliers.
On the left of the 2 1st Division the attack of the 1 7th Division
had also met with considerable success. The 52nd Brigade cap-
tured the first objective (Lowland and Cavalry Trenches) : the
50th Brigade then passed through and cleared the second objec-
tive (the sunken road running due south from Gouzeaucourt,
west, and parallel with the railway) : the 51st Brigade then
advanced to pass through the 52nd and 50th Brigades to capture
the third objective (Somme Alley and Lancashire Trench to the
southern outskirts of Villers-Guislain).
The 7th Lincolnshire advanced at 6.29 a.m. and crossed the
first objective, but ran into a heavy barrage, through which they
were obliged to pass. By this time the enemy had shortened
the range of his guns in order to prevent, if possible, support
troops moving up. As the battalion topped a ridge just south
and south-west of Villers-Guislain, the enemy's machine-guns
opened heavy fire. There was a long embankment covering the
ridge and in this the Lincolnshire took shelter, the 7th East
Yorks being also held up, sheltering in a sunken road east of the
embankment. The time was 7.23 a.m., but shortly after 9 a.m.,
the enemy's resistance had been broken down by the East Yorks,
the 1 oth Notts and Derby and D Company of the 7th Lincolnshire,
under Captain W.H. Parsloe, who had worked round and taken
the enemy in flank. Some two hundred prisoners were taken.
The Lincolnshire then resumed their advance, but had to fight
their way to their assembly position which was the railway line
north of Gauche Wood.
At 9.15 a.m., the advance from the railway began, meeting
with very little resistance in Gauche Wood, where a stiff fight had
been expected.. About one hundred and twenty prisoners were
captured including three officers, and A and B Companies took
up position in Somme Alley to the end of the Wood, with C and D
in support. Exploiting parties were sent out as far as Quentin
Redoubt north of Gauche Wood.
During^ the afternoon the enemy attacked the right of the
battalion, i.e., B and D Companies, but was repulsed with heavy
losses.
The attack of the 1 8 th of September resulted in the gain of
360
THE 7th LINCOLNSHIRE [sept. i 9 th, i 9 i 8
practically all objectives, the deep, continuous and well-organized
defence belt formed by the old British and German lines had been
penetrated to a depth of three miles. About Epehy the fighting
had been very heavy, but eventually the enemy's resistance was
broken down and positions reorganised before an attack could
be made upon the main defences of the Hindenburg Line.
Early on the 19th the reorganisation of the line of the 62nd
Brigade was completed, but throughout the day no moves were
made. Late at night the 2nd Lincolnshire were relieved by
troops of the 33rd Division and moved back to billets north of
Nurlu. From the 1 8th to the night of the 19th /20th the bat-
talion had lost one officer (2nd Lieutenant C.H.S. Rand, 21st
Northumberland Fusiliers) and five other ranks killed, two
officers (2nd Lieutenants G. Stansbury and H.V. Manwaring),
and fifty-nine other ranks wounded, and six other ranks missing.
They had captured otiQ officer and eighty other ranks and many
machine-guns.
The 1st Lincolnshire were similarly relieved on the night of
the 1 9th and marched back to billets in Sorel-le-Grand. They
give their casualties from the 13th to the 20th of September as
one officer (2nd Lieutenant W. Clough) and seven other ranks
killed, fifty other ranks wounded, and twenty other ranks missing.
The 7th Lincolnshire throughout the 19th consolidated their
positions and were relieved at night by the 10th West Yorkshire.
The battalion then came into Divisional Reserve, but was placed
at the tactical disposal of the General Officer Commanding,
50th Brigade, and located in Heather Support. Casualties
during the operations had been heavy : 2nd Lieutenant G.A.
Beaver and twenty-one other ranks were killed, 2nd Lieutenant
H.T. Bowyer and two hundred and thirty-nine other ranks were
wounded, and twelve other ranks missing. Five officers and
one hundred and sixty other ranks of the enemy had been
captured as well as one field-gun, eighteen .machine-guns, four
Minenwerfer, and four anti-tank rifles.
(ii) The Battle of the Canal du Nord 1 : 27 th September-lit October
This attack was carried out by the Third Army (Byng) and
First Army (Home) against the German positions extending from
Gouzeaucourt in the south to the neighbourhood of Sauchy
Lestree in the north, a distance of about thirteen miles ; it
commenced on the 27th September, and prepared the way for
the assault on the St. Quentin Canal by the Fourth Army
(Rawlinson) on the 29th.
1 The Battles of Canal du Nord, the St. Quentin Canal and the Beaurevoir Line are de-
scribed in Sir Douglas Haig's despatch, dated the axst December, 1918, under the heading :
" The Battle of Cambrai and the Hindenburg Line (27th September-^th October)."
361
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
In the operations on the extreme right of the above line (at
Gouzeaucourt) the 1st and 2nd -Battalions of the Regiment were
engaged. Both battalions remained in billets near Nurlu until
the 25th of September, when the 62nd Brigade moved up to the
front line to relieve the 50th Brigade (17th Division). The 1st
Lincolnshire took over, on the night of the 2 5th /26th, the right
of the brigade line in the Gouzeaucourt sector, the Northumber-
lands being on the left and the 2nd Lincolnshire in support in old
trenches which ran across the Fins Ridge.
In conjunction with the general attack north, the 62nd Brigade
attacked the enemy's trenches west of Gouzeaucourt. The
Northumberland Fusiliers carried out the attack, which was on
-it_
jPajaart
Fins
KV-%
Si 5. Gvunx'tnema't
\«fe Wood.
Gouzeaucoj
Gonnelieu
Banteu
t fe©3 Ml. .... ^1
H°l
^GeninWell
STATION
1 CffAPCL
¥ CnOSSltIG
Villers•Gllislairv ! ■'' , *" 5
—QS'ine \t=f
. Vaucellette ^~FJ&=^< 01
a Farm // "vj fc
>J . . . S
*!#**
BATTLES OF EPEHY AND CANAL DU NORD
African Trench, west of the village. The 1 st Lincolnshire sup-
ported the attack with rifle and Lewis gun fire, while the 2nd
Battalion moved C Company forward some two thousand yards
to the valley, in rear of African Support, under the orders of the
Officer Commanding, 12th /13th Northumberland Fusiliers.
At about 7 a.m. on the 28th, the enemy was reported to have
evacuated Gouzeaucourt and a patrol of the 1st Lincolnshire,
under 2nd Lieutenant Chadwell, pushed through the village to
the railway east of it, which was made good, seventeen Germans
being captured.
The enemy was found to be in occupation of Gonnelieu and
the reserve line west of that place. Meanwhile the 2nd Lin-
colnshire had moved up to the trenches captured by the
Northumberland Fusiliers.
At 9 p.m. warning orders were received to attack Gonnelieu
362
THE ist LINCOLNSHIRE [sept. * 9 th, r 9 i8
at 3.30 a.m. on the 29th. The ist Lincolnshire was to attack
on the right and the 2nd Battalion on the left.
The ist Battalion formed up just east of Gouzeaucourt along
the Peiziere-Gouzeaucourt railway : the 2nd Battalion as-
sembled along the railway between Gouzeaucourt station and
Quarry, A Company on the right, D on the left, with B and C
(right and left respectively) in the second line.
Actual orders for the attack were not received until very
late : it was 11.30 p.m. before they reached the ist Battalion,
and the 2nd Battalion had theirs so late that assembly in time for
the attack at zero was impossible. The barrage was to fall on
a line one thousand five hundred yards east of the assembly
positions, which meant that the troops had some distance to go,
in fact the ist Lincolnshire left their assembly positions at 3 a.m.
to catch the barrage up at 3.30 a.m. As the 2nd Lincolnshire
were not assembled by zero, two tanks which had been ordered
to co-operate were given orders to operate on the left of the ist
Battalion in place of the former : one tank broke down before
zero.
The creeping barrage fell at 3.30 a.m., which the Lincolnshire
describe as " a very bad barrage," for the battalion was almost
immediately held up by violent machine-gun fire. Elements of
A and D Companies (the leading companies of the ist Battalion)
succeeded in reaching their objective, but no attack was develop-
ing on either flank and they were under heavy machine-gun fire :
the objectives could not be made good. After daylight all
men, as could be, were withdrawn into Kemmel Support (about
four hundred yards east of Gouzeaucourt railway) and reorgan-
ised. At noon orders were received which stated that, owing to
the success of the 2nd Division on the left, which was working
round the north of Gonnelieu, the ist Lincolnshire were to pass
through that Division for the purpose of encircling the village.
But the situation on the left was found not as satisfactory as
reported, and the Lincolnshire returned to Kemmel Support.
The battalion had lost heavily during the day's operations and
was now temporarily reorganised into two companies — A and C
— under Captain Edinburgh, and B and D under Captain
Sherwell.
Meanwhile the 2nd Lincolnshire, hurrying to reach their
assembly positions in time to advance at zero, had to pass through
Gouzeaucourt, which was being gas-shelled, and across difficult
and unknown country in the dark. They were able to get fairly
close to the barrage. When near the Reserve Line Trench, two
hundred yards west of Gonnelieu, they were stopped by heavy
machine-gun fire and were forced to shelter in Green Switch,
some five hundred yards west of Gonnelieu : here they remained.
363
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
The only tank which took part in the attack (called " Kin tore ")
was knocked out on reaching the enemy's lines.
Orders were received for a second encircling movement round
the north of Gonnelieu on the 30th, and the 1st Lincolnshire
were just moving off when reports came in that the enemy had
withdrawn from that village and from Villers-Guislain.
The 2nd Lincolnshire pushed out patrols from C Company
which verified the reports and, in fact, occupied the Reserve Line
Trench. C and B Companies then advanced north and south of
Gonnelieu and occupied trenches some three hundred yards east
of the village : they were followed by A and D Companies, which,
passing through C and B, occupied the sunken road between
Cheshire Quarry and the Banteux Spur. C and B again moved
forward to the final objective eight hundred yards in front of
A and D Companies, i.e., a position commanding the St. Quentin
Canal, eight hundred yards distant in the valley in front, and also
the rising ground on the far side of the Canal, where the Hinden-
burg Line proper was situated.
The 1st Lincolnshire then passed through the 2nd Battalion
and, working down the Banteux Spur, reached the Canal at about
7 p.m., without opposition. Banteux was occupied, but all
bridges over the Canal had been destroyed, the last one going
up just as the 1st Lincolnshire reached the western banks.
Defensive positions were then taken up for the night.
In the attack on Gonnelieu the 1st Lincolnshire lost 2nd
Lieutenant Miller killed, Captain H.M. Boxer (A Company)
wounded and missing, 1 and about two hundred and fifty other
ranks killed, wounded and missing : the 2nd Battalion's losses
were ten other ranks killed, thirty-nine wounded, seventeen
missing : officers nil.
It is not uninteresting to recall that the 2nd Battalion had in
April 1 9 1 7 carried out a successful attack on Gonnelieu.
The 1 st of October passed quietly for both battalions, which
remained in the positions taken up on the previous day.
The 17th Division was not engaged in the operation described
above, having moved into Corps Reserve at Rocquigny and
Mesnil : the 7th Lincolnshire were, however, at Etricourt, only
just outside the battle area, where they remained until the 4th of
October.
1 Captain Boxer was hit in the hip after dawn on the 29th} and soon afterwards through
the chest. When he recovered consciousness he was among Germans from a line of " pill-
boxes " through which the Lincolnshires had passed in the dark. His wounds were
dressed and he was treated with great kindness and consideration. He remained with
them throughout the whole of the 29th and the night of the 29th/30th. When the
Germans retired he was left in a dug-out with coffee and food, and a notice at the entrance
that a wounded British officer was inside. He was picked up by a battalion of the
Cheshire Regiment on the 30th.
3 6 4
THE 6th LINCOLNSHIRE [SEP t. 3 oth, I9I g
The 6 th Lincolnshire, of the i ith Division (attached to the
Canadian Corps), were with their Brigade (3 3rd) in support during
the hard fighting at the Canal du Nord, near Sains-lez-Marquion.
The battalion moved to Cherisy on the 25th September and
marched to the Drocourt-Queant Switch the next day. The
32nd and 34th Brigades of the 1 ith Division operated on the left
of the Canadians and crossed the Canal south of Marquion, then
swung north and captured Epinoy and Oisy-le-Verger. The
Lincolnshire moved to the Buissy Switch in support of these
attacks. On the 28th the battalion crossed the Canal to the
Marquion line, in and south of Sauchy Lestree. In this position
it remained throughout the 29th in readiness to support further
attacks if necessary. The Canadians, attacking along the
Arras-Cambrai road, met with strong opposition and a flanking
movement by the nth Division was not attempted. The next
day the 6th Lincolnshire rejoined their brigade in the Buissy
Switch near Cagnicourt, but they had hardly settled down before,
on, the night of the 30th September /ist October, they again
crossed the Canal and took up a position between Oisy-le-Verger
and Marquion : on the 2nd of October they took over dug-outs
west of Haynecourt.
(iii) The Battle of St. Quentin Canal : 19th September-ind October
The 1 /5th Lincolnshire, which as part of the 46th Division
took part in the attack on the St. Quentin Canal, was last men-
tioned on the 20th March at Verquin, in the Bethune area, where
it remained until the 46th Division relieved part of the ist and
4th Australian Divisions, on the 21st September, after fifteen
months of almost continuous defensive warfare. The Division
36S
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
how held a line opposite Bellenglise of from two thousand five
hundred to three thousand yards in length on high ground over-
looking the St. Quentin Canal and the enemy's positions.
The Germans held a continuous line of trenches west of the
Canal, protected by a broad belt of wire, and frequent strong
points and machine-gun posts. The main crossings over the
Canal, at Bellinglise and Riqueval bridges, were protected by
more belts of wire, and posts of machine-gunners and riflemen.
The St. Quentin Canal itself was a formidable obstacle ; the
northern half of the Canal, from Riqueval Bridge to La Baraque
cross-roads, runs between almost perpendicular cliffs, varying
from fifty to thirty feet high. The southern half runs practically
at ground level ; but, throughout, the Canal wall formed a per-
pendicular obstacle faced with brick. Over more than half the
front, the northern half, of the Canal in front of the 46th Division
the water was from six to eight feet deep, though the southern
portion was practically dry.
East of the Canal was a very strong system of trenches based
on the village of Bellenglise, the farm of La Baraque, and Harry
and Nigger Copses ; the line was continued parallel to the Canal
to Lehautcour. The defences of the Hindenburg Line were
here as thorough as the science of military engineering could
make them, and the defenders had every reason to believe that
no troops could be expected to storm them without colossal
losses. 1
On the 24th a minor operation was carried out by the 1 /5th
Leicesters, of the 138th Brigade, against the village of Pontruet,
strongly held by the enemy on our right flank, in conjunction
with the 1 st Division. A company of the Lincolnshire, assisted on
the left of the Leicesters by capturing two enemy posts. The
attack was only partially successful, but resulted in the capture of
one officer and one hundred and thirty-six prisoners. The
Lincolnshire lost three other ranks killed and twelve wounded.
The first Divisional Order for the main attack on the St.
Quentin Canal was issued on the 25th September ; the general
idea of the operations was the breaking of the Hindenburg Line
north of St. Quentin, and to the 46th Division (Major-General
Boyd) was assigned the task of storming the Canal between the
village of Bellenglise and Riqueval Bridge. The final objective
of the Division was a line on the high ground beyond the villages
of Lehautcour and Magny-la-Fosse.
On the evening of the 27th the 138th Infantry Brigade was
ordered to attack the German trenches on the ridge between the
two ravines west of Bellenglise and Riqueval, to ensure that our
x See Breaking of the Hindenburg Line, by Major Priestley, M.C., Royal Engineers,
(T. Fisher. Unwin Ltd.) for a detailed account of the operations of the 46th Division.
366
THE 5<rii LINCOLNSHIRE [sept. 29 th, r 9I 8
troops should meet with little resistance west of the Canal on the
day of the main assault. The 4th Leicesters, detailed for
the assault, occupied their objective without difficulty and very
little fighting ; two officers and one hundred and forty-six other
ranks captured. The Lincolnshire were relieved with the rest
of the 138th Brigade at the conclusion of the operation and
retired to the area about Le Verguier for a short rest.
At 3 a.m. on the 29th (Sunday) the 1 /5th moved to assembly
positions for the attack by the 46th Division on the St. Quentin
Canal, the main Hindenburg Line and the positions beyond it.
LeCatelet
^Ber -
j. Montbrehain
.ncou
Estree
lli'court ,, NX ^— ™ D ■ -u *■
Hsuro/ \f^ ^Ramicourt
*%,/, Joncourt Preselles
3^ Va iEtricourt^ *
"~ <s& Ma^ny-la- Fosse
LaBarS,^^^ SSquehart
Lehaucourt
2 3 Miles
Scale
THE BATTLE OF THE ST. QUENTIN CANAL
The battalion was not in the initial attack, for to the 137th
Brigade was entrusted the assault first of the German trench
system west of the Canal, then of the line of the Canal and
BellengHse : the 139th Brigade (right) and 138th Brigade (left)
were then to leap-frog the 137th and capture the first objective
(Green Line), which ran east of Lehautcour and Magny-la-Fosse.
At zero (5.50 a.m.) there was a dense mist which, though it
covered the advance, made the keeping of direction difficult.
The 137th Brigade stormed the trenches west of the Canal and
reached the latter well up to time. Pushing on they crossed the
Canal and took Bellenglise with hundreds of German prisoners.
By 8.40 a.m. they had reached a line from, and including the
367
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
village, thence crossing the western slopes of Knobkerry Ridge
to Nigger Copse.
At 8. 20 a.m., the barrage halted and a protective barrage fell
which remained stationary for the next three hours, during which
the 139th and 138th Brigades moved to their assembly positions
for the attack on the first objective.
The 1 /5th Lincolnshire (Lieut.-Colonel H.G. Wilson) moved
forward at 8.45 a.m. 1 and reached their assembly positions west
of the Canal, three companies B, A and D (from right to left) in
the front line, C in support.
At 10.50 a.m., the battalion advanced in artillery formation
towards a bridge across the Canal ; a few casualties from shell-
fire were suffered on the way up. The 1 /4th Leicesters were
ahead of the Lincolnshire, and by the time the latter had crossed
the Canal the former battalion was on the line Magny Valley-
western end of Magny-la-Fosse-Springbok Valley, which the
Lincolnshire reached in extended formation.
At 12.30 p.m., the 1 /5th moved forward under a barrage to
its objective, which included the village of Magny-la-Fosse and
the high ground beyond. Touch was obtained with the 139th
Brigade on the right and with American and Australian troops
on the left.
At the point where the barrage was picked up four tanks
which were co-operating in the attack advanced with the Lin-
colnshire. The right company followed the tank allotted to it,
which moved along the trenches and together the tank and
infantry reached their objective without much opposition.
The centre company sent two platoons to encircle Magny on
the southern side and mop up the road south-east of the
village, and two platoons to go through the village itself. The
large number of prisoners who gave themselves up was a source
of delay, and the reserve company was, therefore, pushed through
to keep up with the barrage, clear the eastern end of the village
and gain and consolidate the objective. The left company
reached its objective without serious opposition.
At 1.50 p.m. the i/^th Leicesters passed through the Lin-
colnshire to gain the objective about one thousand yards further
east, which they successfully accomplished.
The 137th, 139th and 138th Brigades had now complete^
the task allotted to the 46th Division, and troops of the 32nd
Division passed through to attack the second objective.
Of the fighting on the 29th of September the Diary of the
1 /5th Lincolnshire has the following significant entry : " The
whole operation was characterised by the freedom with which
1 The Battalion Diary mentions operation orders and maps with the Diary : none
were to be found with it.
368
THE BATTLE OF BEAUREVOIR [oC t. 3R d- 5 th, i 9 is
the enemy troops surrendered. The battalion captured some
four hundred prisoners including several officers and an artillery
group commander, seven field-guns and, up to the time of
writing, twenty machine-guns."
In the latter stages of the Great Advance to Victory the German
machine-gunners were our most formidable enemies : their guns
were disposed in depth, often in five belts.
The captures by the Lincolnshire had been made at compara-
tively small cost — five other ranks killed, one officer and fifty-
five other ranks wounded. The total number captured by the
Division 1 amounted to four thousand two hundred prisoners and
seventy guns at a cost of under eight hundred casualties.
The 30th was wet and cold. The battalion spent the day
consolidating its position. Hostile shell-fire caused a few
casualties. During the evening the Lincolnshire moved back
into the old German line immediately west of Magny, in Brigade
Reserve.
At 5.30 p.m., the Commanding Officer was warned that the
1 /5th might be required to co-operate with the 32nd Division
and Australian troops in an attack early on the 1st of October on
Joncourt and Estrees and the high ground between. A recon-
naissance was therefore carried out. But although the battalion
moved up in support (being located in cellars and shelters in
Magny) and a further warning order was issued to be ready to
advance in the event of our cavalry breaking through, no orders
came to move and the day passed quietly.
The following day the 1 /5th Lincolnshire paraded and were
congratulated by the Brigadier (Rowley) on their work during
the attack on the 29th of September. In the evening a conference
was held to discuss operations to be carried out by the 46th
Division on the 3rd of October.
(iv) The Battle of the Beaurevoir Line : $rd-$th October
In the operations planned for the 3rd of October the Fourth
Army was to attack between Sequehart and Le Catelet (occupy-
ing both villages and Ramicourt) and capture the Beaurevoir-
Fonsomme Line. The task alloted to the 46th Division was the
capture of the enemy's trench system (the Beaurevoir-Fonsomme
Line) from a point about nine hundred yards south-east of
Preselles to roughly three hundred yards north-west of Swiss
Cottage (west of Ramicourt) : Mannequin Hill, Ramicourt and
Montbrehain were also to be taken. The attack was to be
carried out by the 137th Brigade on the right and the 139th
Brigade on the left : the 138th Brigade was in reserve and the
1 Breaking of the Hindenburg Line— Major Priestley, M.C.
BB 3^9
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
i /5th Lincolnshire, therefore (according to their records), do not
appear to have been involved in the fighting, though at one period
detached from their brigade to assist the 1 39th.
Briefly the attack began at 6.5 a.m., and the 137th Brigade
on the right went through to its objective without a check and
reached Mannequin Hill : the 139th Brigade, after penetrating
Ramicourt, pushed forward rapidly, clearing Montbrehain. By
10.30 a.m., all objectives allotted to the 46th Division had been
gained. But casualties had been, heavy and about 1 p.m. in a
determined counter-attack, the crest of Mannequin Hill was lost
which caused a gap in the line south of Montbrehain and a
second strong German counter-attack drove the troops out of the
village. The line now held by the 46th Division ran along the
western slopes of Mannequin Hill, thence east of Ramicourt
and Wiancourt. The 138th Brigade was then moved up in
close support to the Beaurevoir— Fonsomme Line. At 6 p.m.,
the enemy again attacked the 137th Brigade, and drove it off
the western slopes of Mannequin Hill, but an immediate
counter-attack regained the ground lost. This closed the
fighting of the 46th Division on the 3rd of October, but the
Beaurevoir-Fonsomme Line had been taken.
The 1 /5th Lincolnshire took up their position in Brigade
Reserve in a railway cutting south-east of Joncourt, but at noon,
having been ordered to replace the 4th Leicesters in support of
the 139th Brigade, moved into the Beaurevoir-Fonsomme Line
south-west of Ramicourt. C and D Companies were then
ordered to follow in close support of the 1st Monmouths, who
were passing through to repel a German counter-attack from the
direction of Fresnoy-le-Grand, while A and B Companies spread
out along the Beaurevoir-Fonsomme Line. The battalion
Diary then mentions the hostile attack on Montbrehain and the
subsequent withdrawal, the two companies which had supported
the Monmouths falling back to the Beaurevoir-Fonsomme Line.
At 11 p.m. that night the 138th Brigade relieved the 139th,
the Monmouths and 4th Leicesters taking over the front line
with the 1 /5th Lincolnshire in close support occupying the
following positions : one company in a sunken road north from
Ramicourt, two companies along the eastern edge and one com-
pany in sunken roads on the southern exits of the village.
During the day two other ranks had been killed and fourteen
wounded.
At nightfall on the 3rd of October Major-General G.F. Boyd,
General Officer Commanding 46th Division, wired the following
Special Order of the Day to all units of the Division : " I called
on the Division for another effort to-day and right well they have
responded. The enemy's last organised line for miles has been
370
THE BATTLE OF CAMBRAI [0 ct. 8th- 9 th, i 9i8
broken and our success has enabled other troops to come up on
our flanks. Although we could not take all the ground by our-
selves alone, we have done enough to make the name of .the
Division doubly famous. We have taken over two thousand
prisoners from twenty-eight different battalions and five different
divisions, in itself a splendid feat of arms. Again I thank every
one of you."
Although there were possibilities of hostile counter-attacks on
the 4th, none materialised and in the evening the 138th Brigade
was relieved by two Australian battalions, the 1 /5th Lincolnshire
withdrawing to dug-outs between Etricourt and Nauroy. On
the 5th no change took place in the disposition of the battalion. 1
VI
THE BATTLE OF CAMBRAI, I918 : 8TH-9TH OCTOBER,
AND THE PURSUIT TO THE SELLE
This battle (the Second Battle of Le Cateau in the despatch of
the 21st December, 191 8) opened " the second and concluding
phase of the British offensive in which the Fourth and Third
Armies, and the right of the First Army, moved forward with
their left flank on the canal line which runs from Cambrai to
Mons, and their right covered by the First French Army/'
(Despatch of the list December, 1918, para. 41), south-east of
the St. Quentin— Le Cateau road.
For the first time the advance lay through open country which
the Germans had held since the retreat of the Allies in 19 14.
Towns and villages showed no trace of shell-fire ; there were
fields without craters ; woods not reduced to mere branchless
stumps of trees. - Beyond the Beaurevoir* reserve line new lines
of defence had been started here and there, but they were barely
marked out, and the enemy had to rely mainly on the natural
features of the ground to assist him in his rearguard actions.
Many small streams and small rivers, flowing generally from
south-east to north-west, lay across our line of advance, which
from nearly due east in this theatre of operations swung round to
north-east ; many of these are unfordable for long stretches of
1 Montbrehain and Beaurevoir were both captured by the 5th of October : the enemy
then evacuated the high ground about La Terriere, in the bend of the Scheldt Canal
between La Catelet and Crevecceur, which enabled the right of the Third Army to cross
the Scheldt Canal and occupy the Hindenburg Line east of it.
s The Beaurevoir Line was a reserve position fortified about four miles east of the
Hindenburg Lines. It was known to the Allies as the Beaurevoir-Fonsomme Line. One
section of it was known as the Beaurevoir-Masnieres Line.
371
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
their course, and comparatively small streams acquired impor-
tance as barriers against the movement of our tanks ; there are
many patches and clumps of woodland ; access to the streams
is often difficult, as they run in narrow valleys with steep sides.
Although the enemy had no fortified lines on which to make a
stand, this last stage of the war cost much hard fighting. The
German machine-gunners showed great gallantry and devotion
to duty in covering the retirement of their infantry. The enemy
added to the difficulties of the advance by blowing in the roads,
especially at cross-roads.
Six battalions of the Lincolnshire Regiment took part in the
battle, and were, when it opened, approximately as below : the
i /5th in the 46th Division on the right of the British line, east
of Bellenglise ; the 1st and 2nd in the 21st Division ; and 7th
in the 17th Division, in the neighbourhood of Gonnelieu, ten
miles to the north of the 46th Division ; and the 6th Battalion in
the nth Division with the Canadian Corps, advancing from the
northr-west on Cambrai.
After the Battle of the Beaurevoir Line the 6th Division on
the 6th October took over the line held by the 46th Division at
the close of the battle. On the 8 th the 6th Division, supported
by the 46th, attacked the high ground between Fresnoy and
Montbrehain, Mannequin Hill and Beauregard Farm. The
1 /5th Lincolnshire moved to its assembly position west of Pre-
selles at 5 a.m. on the 8 th, and remained there until it relieved a
battalion of the 6th Division north-west of Mericourt about 1 1
p.m., all four companies being placed in the front line. At dawn
on the 9th patrols were sent out and found that the enemy had
fallen back. Pursuit was at once ordered and A Company
(Captain H.S. Nichols) advanced to the western outskirts of
Fresnoy-le-Grand. Meanwhile Brigade Headquarters had been
informed of the situation and ordered the Lincolnshire to advance
to the railway east of Fresnoy to be their first objective.
Touch with battalions on the right and left having been estab-
lished, the whole line moved forward, but the advance was held
up on a north and south line through the centre of Fresnoy.
The enemy had installed a number of machine-guns east of the
village along the railway and on the high ground in rear. At
this period (10.30 a.m.) C Company was on the right, A in the
centre and D on the left, B being in support on the Beauregard-
Mericourt road. The enemy's guns now opened fire on Fresnoy
and Mericourt and the country round. Owing to the rapidity
of the advance our guns were unable to keep pace and the 138th
Brigade, therefore, lacked artillery support. Progress was
slow, though the enemy's machine-gun fire gradually became less.
By 6 p.m., C Company reached the railway south-east of Fresnoy,
372
THE 5th LINCOLNSHIRE [oCT . 8th, 19 h
D the cutting east of the village, while A Company was in the
village :_ B Company had not moved. Touch on both flanks
was maintained. Half an hour later, by brigade orders, the
Lincolnshire took over the whole of the brigade front, C extend-
ing its right and gaining touch with the 55th French Infantry
Regiment, and D extending its left and gaining touch with the
Shropshire of the 6th Division. Piquets and patrols were
pushed forward well in front of the line. Later the French took
over the line as far north as Fresnoy railway station, the Lincoln-
shire again extending their left. By 4.30 a.m. on the 10th, C, A
and D Companies were in line in that order from right to left.
Bohain, three or four miles north-west of Fresnoy, was entered
by our troops on the 10th, and the leading troops of the 46th
Division, the 138th Brigade, advanced from Bohain till held up
by the enemy in force in the Bois de Riquerval, an outlier of the
Forest of Andigny. Orders were issued on the uth y whilst
fighting was in progress, for the 137th Brigade to relieve the
138th. The final attack on the Bois de Riquerval did not take
place till the 1 7th October, and will be described later.
The battalion lost about a dozen men in the operations and
captured several wounded Germans in Fresnoy.
On the extreme left of the Fourth Army the right of the Third
Army (2 1st Division) drove the enemy out of his positions in the
Beaurevoir Line and from the Walincourt-Andigny Line.
- From the 1st to the 3rd of October the 1st and 2nd Lincoln-
shire, with the 1 2 /13th Northumberland Fusiliers in the 62nd
Brigade of the 21st Division, lay between the St. Quentin Canal,
immediately south of Banteux and Gonnelieu. On the 5th the
enemy had evacuated the Hindenburg Line on the Corps Front
and fell back on the Beaurevoir Line. During the 7th the 62nd
Brigade crossed the Canal and moved to the Hindenburg Line
north-east of Honnecourt.
In the operations on the 8 th the 1 10th and 64th Brigades car-
ried out the first two phases of the attack, attacking at 5.1 5 a.m.
in a northerly direction and mopping up the area between the
Beaurevoir Line and Haut-Hurtebise Farms. The 62nd Brigade
carried out the third phase, which comprised the capture of
Walincourt and the high ground west of Selvigny. This attack
took place at 8 a.m. by the 2nd Lincolnshire on the right,
Northumberland Fusiliers in the centre and 1st Lincolnshire on
the left.
The three battalions assembled at midnight 7th/8th, and
advanced at 6 a.m. on the 8th to be close to the barrage when it
opened at 8 a.m. The 2nd Battalion formed up in two waves,
A Company on the right and D on the left the first wave, B
Company on the right and C on the left the second wave. The
373
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
battalion reached its assembly positions in the Beaurevoir Line
east of Montecouvez Farm, apparently without incident. But
the i st Battalion, on reaching the high ground west of the Beau-
revoir Line came under heavy machine-gun fire from the northern
portion, then in the process of being mopped up by the noth
Brigade. Two officers (Lieutenant Richardson and 2nd Lieu-
tenant Wright) were wounded at this point. The hill being
cleared, the battalion pressed on to the sunken road east of it,
their assembly position.
At 8 a.m. the barrage fell, and the three battalions advanced.
A and D Companies of the 2nd Lincolnshire reached a point
west of Angle Wood, but were held up by machine-gun fire from
the right flank. B Company dug in on the ridge east of Angles
Chateau, while C moved up on the left of A and D and gained
touch with the Northumberland Fusiliers. Touch with the 38th
Division was not obtained. There were two quarries south of
Angle Wood held by the enemy with machine-guns. Two tanks
attached to the 62 nd Brigade, then advanced on the quarries and
cleared the enemy out. Not only was the country very difficult,
consisting of woods and farms which offered splendid cover for
troops on the defensive, but the Division on our right was not
up in line, and the right flank of the 2nd Battalion was exposed.
After our advance of six thousand yards the Germans were well
behind our right rear.
At 2 p.m. A and D Companies sent out patrols to reconnoitre
the ground in front and discover the position of the enemy. At
4 p.m., acting on information A and D Companies pushed for-
ward to the sunken road west of Walincourt. Excepting a little
machine-gun fire from the village there was practically no
opposition.
B and C Companies also advanced, the former capturing two
field-guns south-west of the two quarries. At 6 p.m. the two
companies, under cover of a barrage, passed through A and D
to take part in an attack on Walincourt : they eventually reached
positions along the road on the western edge of Mill Wood
(south of the village). On this road, at 8 p.m., touch was at last
gained with the left of the 38 th Division.
The left^ battalion of the 62nd Brigade, the 1st Lincolnshire,
soon after it advanced, was held up by the enemy in Hurtebise
Farm and Copse. But a captured German field-gun, two forward
sections of 1 8-pdrs. (Royal Field Artillery) and a trench-mortar
were brought into action and the enemy finally surrendered. The
advance was then continued under slight opposition to the valley
east of Briseux Wood and west of Guillemin Farm. Here,
however, opposition again became heavy, violent machine-gun fire
coming from the Farm and the main Walincourt-Esnes road.
374
THE ist & 2nd LINCOLNSHIRE [ 0CT . s™, 1918
* The i st Lincolnshire made another attempt to capture the
objective at 6 p.m., but this attack failed and the night was spent
in the valley. The Battalion Diary specially mentions the name
of 2nd Lieutenant Hotson, who distinguished himself when
commanding a company, when all his senior officers had become
casualties earlier in the day.
About one hundred and fifty prisoners and many machine-guns
and trench-mortars were captured by the ist Battalion, whose
losses were : Lieutenant J.E. Tillett, 2nd Lieutenant J.J. Wipe
and eleven other ranks killed, Captain C.R. Sherwell, Lieutenants
D.A. Gough and F.A.I. Richardson, 2nd Lieutenant J.W.
Wright and fifty-four other ranks wounded : thirteen other
ranks were missing,
The 2nd Lincolnshire at 9 a.m. sent out patrols from B and C
Companies to reconnoitre Walincourt which reported it clear of
the enemy, but the two companies were ordered to remain in their
positions till other troops came up on their right. Active patrol-
ling went on through the night.
The battalion had had a very strenuous day : an advance of
six thousand yards on a frontage of one thousand yards was no
light achievement, and it included also mopping up various
woods and farms allotted to the two rear companies, who " did
their work splendidly, the spirit of the men being good through-
out." {Battalion Diary.) The night before the attack rain fell
and all ranks were soaked through, but they showed great dash
and enthusiasm.
Some fifty odd prisoners and a number of machine-guns
were taken as well as the two field-guns already mentioned. The
casualties of the 2nd Battalion were fourteen other ranks killed,
Captain E.H. Lindsell, 2nd Lieutenants O.T. Daniel and E.M.
Sweeney and seventy other ranks wounded : nine other ranks
were missing.
Early on the morning of the 9th the 17th Division passed
through the 2 ist Division and both the ist and 2nd Lincolnshire
moved into billets at Walincourt.
The 51st Brigade, which formed the advanced guard of the
17th Division, 7th Borders on the left, 7th Lincolnshire on the
right, 1 and 10th Sherwoods in support, advanced unopposed
over the open country north of Walincourt, and Selvigny into
Caullery. About 9.30 a.m., machine-gun fire was heard in
Clary, where a German rearguard was opposing the 33rd Division
on the right of the 17th. The 7th Lincolnshire swung half
right to assist the 33rd Division, and the enemy soon abandoned
the village. By 1 p.m., the 5 1 st Brigade was advancing through
1 On the 4th October Lieut.-Colonel F.E. Metcalfe was appointed to command the
76th Brigade, and Major H. Sargent assumed command of the battalion.
375
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
Montigny, and on both sides of it, and continued during the *
afternoon, through Tronquoy and across the Cambrai railway.
At 6 p.m. the operations for the day came to an end.
The 50th Brigade relieved the 51st early on the 10th, as
advanced guard, passed through Inchy, and by 9 a.m. Neuvilly,
and the high ground east of the River Selle were in sight. Soon
after leaving Inchy, fire was opened by the enemy from the left,
artillery and machine-guns opened from the strong position
beyond the river, and it was clear that the objective assigned to
the Division, " Neuvilly and the high ground east of the Selle,"
could not be won without hard fighting. During the afternoon
the 37th Division having captured Caudry, advanced through
Clermont Wood, and gained touch with the left front of the 17th
Division. There was intermittent shell-fire on both sides.
On the 1st of October the 8th Lincolnshire moved from
Lebucquiere to Gouzeaucourt Wood, where training was carried
out until the 6th, when it moved with the 63rd Brigade to an
area north of Gonnelieu.
The 63rd Brigade, as reserve brigade to the 37th Division,
which attacked on the left of the 21st Division, crossed the St.
Quentin Canal by a pontoon bridge at 6.40 a.m. on the 8th
October and advanced the 8 th Lincolnshire on the left, and the
8th Somerset on the right to a position west of Vaucelles Wood.
The 4th Middlesex was temporarily detached under the orders
of the Commander of the 1 1 2th Brigade.
The two battalions were first ordered to assembly positions
south of Pelu Wood, but a few minutes later, about 3.15 p.m.
they were ordered to go straight through to the line Bout-du-Pre
cross-roads for an attack at 6 p.m. in a south-easterly direction
with the object of securing the high ground east of the Esnes-
Walincourt road. The hour was postponed later, till 8.30 p.m.,
and the formation of the brigade changed so that the Lincolnshire
were on the right and the Somerset on the left. It was dusk
when the two battalions, after a march of seven miles across
country, reached their assembly positions, and there was no
opportunity of reconnoitring the ground over which the attack
was to be made. Both battalions advanced at zero hour, and a
line was taken up on the high ground east of the Esnes-Walin-
court road.
Orders were received to continue the attack on the following
day, zero hour being fixed at 5.30 a.m. At that hour both the
Lincolnshire and Somerset again advanced and secured their
objectives without opposition, the former battalion on a north and
south line south of Haucourt Mill, Battalion Headquarters mov-
ing later into Haucourt Village. The 1 1 2th Brigade then passed
through the 63rd Brigade and attacked the second objective.
376
Ttffi 6th & 8th LINCOLNSHIRE [0 er. 7 th-«th, 1918
The 8th Lincolnshire in the two-days battle lost eight other
ranks killed and Lieutenant A.B. Wiggins, 2nd Lieutenants F.
Berry, J.R. Hall and twenty-five other ranks wounded.
The advance continued on the ioth October past Caudry to
the south of Viesly. In the afternoon the 63rd Brigade passed
through the 1 12th Brigade, and attacked the ridge running south
from Briastre, the Lincolnshire on the right, and the Somerset
on the left. In the small hours of the nth crossings over the
Selle were made by the Royal Engineers and two platoons of the
Somerset and one and a half platoons of the Lincolnshire estab-
lished themselves on the eastern bank.
The operations of this day led the 8th Battalion over the
ground held by the 1st Battalion on the 26th August, 1914, when
it put up such a splendid fight at Inchy against the advancing
Germans.
The Rev. T.B. Hardy, V.C., D.S.O., M.C., was wounded on
the nth October and died of his wounds on the 18th to the great
sorrow of all ranks. Other casualties were 2nd Lieutenants O.C.
Terry, J.' Blakey and thirteen other ranks wounded.
The 1 1 th Division was still with the Canadian Corps during the
operations described above, and on the 5th of October the 6th
Lincolnshire moved forward from their position east of Marquion
and west of Haynecourt, and relieved the nth Manchester in
the left sub-sector of the 33 rd Brigade front south-west of
Aubencheul-au-Bac and north-east of Epinoy. During the 6th
the battalion received order's to capture the former place on the
morning of the 7th. But at 10 p.m. information was received
that the enemy was withdrawing from the village and the Lincoln-
shire were ordered to gain touch with the enemy and occupy
Aubencheul. Although the darkness was intense and the ground
unknown, C Company pressed forward and occupied the village,
A Company acting in conjunction on the southern side. Both
companies established themselves along the eastern banks of the
Canal de la Sensee before daylight. Some resistance was en-
countered by a platoon of C Company under Sergeant Simpson.
This platoon rushed the enemy post and dispersed it, killing ten
Germans and securing one prisoner.
At r 1 a.m. further orders which stated that the enemy was
again withdrawing and that the battalion was to be relieved by
troops of the 56th Division were received. The relief began at
about 2 p.m., but during the operations the Lincolnshire were
ordered to secure the high ground between Fressies and Aban-
court, in conjunction with an attack on the right to capture Pail-
lencourt. Zero was to be 3.30 p.m.
In view of this attack companies were withdrawn before their
reliefs arrived and the battalion advanced three and a half miles
377
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
and took up a position on the high ground south-west of Hem
Lenglet and north of Abancourt. Hostile shell and machine-
gun fire were considerable during this advance and casualties
were two officers and ten other ranks killed or wounded.
There are no entries in the Battalion Diary for the 8 th and 9th
of October, but on the 10th, after a successful daylight recon-
naissance of Hem Lenglet, the 6th Lincolnshire and 7th South
StafFords made a night attack and captured that place. This
attack was quite a brilliant affair and the Lincolnshire besides
inflicting on the enemy casualties estimated at fifty killed and
wounded, captured one officer and eleven other ranks and four
machine-guns. On the 1 2th the battalion was relieved and moved
into dug-outs and shelters between Marquion and Raillencourt.
VII
THE BATTLE OF THE SELLE, I7TH— 2£TH OCTOBER
After the Battle of Cambrai the pursuit was so rapid that a
pause became necessary to establish communication, bring the
guns forward, and keep the troops in the front line adequately
supplied with food and ammunition.
Moreover, on the right of our line the pursuit of the 46th
Division was checked for a week south of Bohain by the resolute
defence of the German rearguards in well-organised defences
based on strongly-built farmhouses, hidden in the woods, and
well supplied with machine-guns. All frontal attacks on
Riquerval Wood, and the Forest of Andigny were repulsed and
orders were issued on the 1 5th October for a general action of
the IX. Corps in co-operation with the French on the right and
the Americans on the left. The aim of the battle was the pos-
session of the line of the Sambre-Oise Canal. The objective of
the 46th Division was the Bohain- Wassigny road from the north-
east corner of Riquerval Wood, to and including the village of
Andigny-les-Fermes.
. This entailed a change of direction from nearly due east to
south-east. The 1 37th Brigade acted as pivot to the movement,
and carried out a " Chinese " attack with dummies to deceive
the enemy and divert part of his fire. The 139th Brigade
attacked on the right and the 138th Brigade on the left of the
new front. The 4th Leicesters on the right, and the 1 /5th
Lincolnshire on the left of the 138th Brigade.
From Fresnoy-le-Grand the Lincolnshire moved to their
assembly positions on the south-eastern outskirts of Vaux
378
THE 5th LINCOLNSHIRE [ OCT . i 7 th, i 9 is
Andigny on the night of the i6th/i7th of October, with A
Company on the right, D on the left and B and C Companies in
rear of A and D.
About an hour before zero on the 17th the enemy shelled the
assembly positions, causing some casualties. At 5.20 a.m. the
barrage opened and the assault began. When dawn broke the
whole line was shrouded in dense fog. The waiting troops could
see nothing of the country over which they were to attack, but
compass bearings had been taken and scouts sent to the flanks
to assist in keeping direction. Two officers were wounded at
this period, i.e., 2nd Lieutenants Harris and F.P. Barton, the
latter dying later of his wounds.
In spite of precautions, the mist caused some loss of direction
and A Company became mingled with other troops. A general
line was, nevertheless maintained. A German trench crossing
the front of the advance from right to left was held by the enemy
and here close fighting took place, a few prisoners and several
machine-guns being taken. For some hours the mist held, but
A, Company succeeded in reaching its objective, i.e., the Andigny-
les-Fermes-Regnicourt road and just west of the former village.
D Company, however, missed direction completely and found
itself in front of Regnicourt in the 1 39th Brigade area. With a
company of the 4th Leicesters D Company then attacked the
village and captured it. All attempts to capture Andigny-les-
Fermes were frustrated by heavy machine-gun fire from the
village and forest in rear.
The barrage was by now lost and the 6th Division, on the left
of the 64th, being also temporarily held up by machine-gun fire,
the left flank of the Lincolnshire was thrown back and a north
and south line occupied west of the Andigny-les-Fermes-
Regnicourt road, in touch on both flanks.
At about 9 a.m., however, a battalion of the 1st Division passed
through the 6th Division and cleared the Bellevue Ridge, thus
securing the left flank of the Lincolnshire : the latter then gained
touch with the 1st Division, pushed out patrols and finally occu-
pied Andigny, the enemy having withdrawn. At 1.30 p.m. a
line was established on the southern side of the village and con-
solidated. Strong points were constructed and touch maintained
with the Leicesters on the right and the 6th Division on the left.
Patrols were pushed forward along the Mennevrel road, where it
was hoped to gain touch with the French, but hostile machine-gun
fire prevented movement. At 6 p.m. a company of the 5th
Leicesters tried to advance in the direction of Mennevrel and
link up with the French at La Nation, but were unable to do so
until a late hour. At 5 p.m. the Lincolnshire were relieved and
moved back into support.
379
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
The i /5th Battalion captured about one hundred and fifty-
prisoners and some twenty machine-guns, but lost (in addition to
the two officers given above) seventeen other ranks killed and.
2nd Lieutenant W. Simpson and fifty-eight other ranks wounded.
On the 1 8th the 138th Brigade -was relieved by the 137th and
withdrew to billets in Fresnoy-le-Grand.
The success of the Fourth Army — the enemy was driven across
the Sambre et Oise Canal everywhere south of Carillon—- was
followed by an attack on the Selle positions north of Le Cateau
by the Third Army at 1 a.m. on the 20th of October.
The. 17th Division attacked with the 38th Division on the
right and the 5th Division on its left. The Division had four
objectives : (1) Neuvilly and a line on the outskirts of the
village from south-east to north-west, (2) a line about eight
hundred yards north-east of the first objective, (3) the village of
Amerval and a line about one thousand three hundred yards from
the second objective, (4) extension of the left half of the third
objective to about nine hundred yards north.
Neuvilly and the line of the first and second objectives were
captured by the 50th Brigade, and at 3. 50 a.m., the three attack-
ing battalions of the 51st Brigade passed through and attacked
the third and fourth objectives. The Lincolnshire attacked with
A Company on the right, D on the left, with B in support and C
in reserve.
The attack was carried out behind a creeping barrage and the
village of Amerval was taken with many prisoners. At 4 p.m.
B Company of the Lincolnshire, with one company of the
Sherwood Foresters, attacked the fourth objective, which was
also taken. Consolidation on the latter line was at once put in
hand, and on the 2 1st the 7th Lincolnshire was relieved by troop
of the $ 2nd Brigade and moved back to billets in Inchy. Their
share in the stiff fighting which had taken place during the 20th
had. involved them in heavy losses : 2nd Lieutenant G.R.E.
Ward and six other ranks were killed, Captain C.R. Davey, 2nd
Lieutenants W.A. Moore, G.B. Simpson, J.G. Harrison, J.A.
Galletley and eighty-eight other ranks were wounded and seven
other ranks were missing. Their captures were two officers and
sixty-eight other ranks, two trench-mortars and ten machine-
guns. 1
The general results of the fighting on the 20th and 21st were
that the Third Army, after severe fighting gained Neuvilly,
Amerval, Solesmes and Haspres and the high ground east of the
Selle, and pushed patrols forward to the River Harpies.
1 The large number of machine-guns captured during the final advance is evidence of
the reliance placed by the enemy on this weapon in holding up an attack. The German
machine-gunners were the bravest men in the enemy's armies at this period,
38o
THE ist & 2nd LINCOLNSHIRE [oct. * 3 RD, J9 i8
The 2 1 st Division took part in the next phase of the battle on
the 23rd October, and attacked with the 33rd Division on its
right, and the 37th on the left. There were five objectives : (1)
a south-east to northwest line south of Ovillers, (2) Ovillers and
a line about halfway between that village and the River Harpies,
(3) the River Harpies and the south-western portion of Vendegies
au-Bois, (4) Vendegies and a line between that village and Poix
du Nord, j$) Poix and a line from Salesches Station to the eastern
end of Poix. The first three objectives were allotted to the 64th
Brigade (right) and 110th Brigade (left), Vendegies and Poix
were allotted to the 62 nd Brigade. 1
The 62nd Brigade attacked with the 2nd and ist Lincolnshire
on the right and left respectively : the 12th /13th Northumber-
land Fusiliers were in support. The jumping-off line for the
attack was the road along the eastern bank of the Harpies.
The two battalions assembled in the valley north-east and north
of Amerval and by 9.30 a.m. were able to go forward to the line
of the third objective, the River Harpies. Considerable difficulty
was, however, experienced in clearing the enemy out of Vendegies.
On the right the 2nd Lincolnshire had at first been troubled
by the mist, D the right Company, moving too much to the east
and overlapping the 33rd Division, but at about 10 a.m. the
atmosphere cleared and direction was re-established. The
advance was vigorously opposed by machine-gun fire from Poix,
and heavy shell-fire. Despite this, the battalion pushed on and by
3 p.m. gained the fourth objective, Vendegies, and a line on the
high ground between it and Poix du Nord, and D and A Com-
panies were digging in : orders to the two supporting companies
(B and C) to continue the advance were cancelled owing to the
intensity of the enemy's shell-fire. At 5 p.m. companies with-
drew a little to the rear of the objective line and consolidated"for
the night on a road running from north-west to south-east.
The ist Lincolnshire, on the left, having first assisted in clear-
ing the line of the third objective, pushed on beside their com-
rades of the 2nd Battalion to the fourth objective. Here also
they were held up by the enemy's shell-fire and dug in for the
night. They had lost during the day fifteen other ranks killed,
Major C.C. Vickersand Captain E.M. Harrison and forty-eight
other ranks wounded : the 2nd Battalion had twenty-eight other
ranks killed, one hundred and thirty-two wounded and thirteen
missing.
At 4 a.m. on the 24th, the advance was resumed by the 62nd
1 The ist and 2nd Lincolnshire went into billets at Walincourt, when the 17th Division
passed through the 21st on the 9th of October. Whilst resting there, C Company of the
2nd Battalion won the Brigade Football Cup, presented by Brig.-General Gater. The
cup, a valued possession, is now in the Officers' Mess.
381
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
Brigade, the 64th Brigade on the right, the Durham and the
King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry of the latter advancing
through the line of the 2nd Lincolnshire, who did not take part
in the attack.
The 1 st Battalion attacked under a barrage, A Company on
the right, C on the left, with D in support and B in reserve. The
attack was entirely successful and by 6 a.m., the fifth objective
— Poix and the road running from north-west to south-east
beyond it — was captured, the Lincolnshire taking over one
hundred prisoners : at 4 p.m. the 12th /13th Northumberland
Fusiliers passed through the 1st Battalion to continue the attack.
Throughout the 24th the 2nd Lincolnshire remained in
Brigade Reserve, the 1st Battalion going into support on the
night of the 24th /25th with Battalion Headquarters at Poix.
On the 26th and 27th, respectively, the 1st and 2nd Lincoln-
shire were relieved and moved back to Neuvilly, where they
billeted until the afternoon of the 29th, when the 21st Division
again relieved the 17th Division in the front line. The 62nd
Brigade took over the left sector of the Divisional front, the 2nd
Lincolnshire going into the front line north-east of Poix and the
1 st taking over support positions.
The 1 /5th made no further attacks during October, but
remained at Fresnoy-le-Grand. The 6th Battalion remained
resting, training and refitting between . Marquion and Raillen-
court until the 20th, when it moved to Escaudoeuvres : on the
25th another move took place to Villers-en-Oauchies, where the
remainder of the month was spent. The 7th Lincolnshire
reached billets in Inchy on the 21st, moved to Ovillers on the
23rd, back to Inchy again on the 25th, and to the 7th Divisional
Main Defence Line in front of Vendegies on the 26th, the
Division having relieved the 2 1st Division in the line on that date.
But on the 29th the battalion moved once again back to, Inchy,
and on the 3 1st was engaged in training and reorganisation. The
8 th was in Caudry until the 23rd, then moved to Briastre and on
the_ 24th first to Beaurain and then to an area west of Neuville,
taking over support positions along the railway north-east of
Salesches.
On the night of the 27th /28th the 63rd Brigade relieved the
1 1 2th in the line, 8th Lincolnshire on the right and 8th Somerset
on the left, the former battalion taking over the front from, and
including some orchards just north of Ghissignies, to the Halt
on the railway at the south-eastern end of the village. This
position the Lincolnshire were still holding on the 3 1st of October
having lost in the intervening days one other rank killed, Lieu-
tenant Baumber and fourteen other ranks wounded by the
enemy's shell-fire.
382
THE FINAL BATTLE [NOV . 4 th, , 9 ig
VIII
THE BATTLE OF THE SAMBRE, 4TH NOVEMBER
The final battle of the war was to be a general assault in which
the whole weight of the First, Third and Fourth British armies,
and of the French on our right, was to be thrown against the
new German line from north of Valenciennes to west of Guise.
When it commenced the six battalions of the Lincolnshire
Regiment which took part in it were in the following positions,
from right to left, viz., i /5th Battalion (46th Division), St. Martin
Riviere, on the railway from Le Cateau to Wassigny ; the 1st
and 2nd Battalions (21st Division), at Vendegies, between
Solesmes and the western end of the Forest of Mormal ; the
7th (17th Division) and 8th (37th Division) Battalions in or near
Ghissignies, on the River Ecaillon, to the south of Le
Quesnoy.
The 8 th Battalion was in action at Ghissignies on the 2nd
November. C Company of the battalion relieved D Company
of the 2nd Battalion at Petit Gay Farm (south-east of Ghissignies)
on the 1 st. B Company held a line of posts on the eastern out-
skirts of the village, A was in Ghissignies, and D in cellars at the
west end. of the village. On the 2nd A Company raided the
enemy at the level crossing north of Les Veaux (a suburb of
Ghissignies). A stiff fight ensued, the enemy had some thirty
to forty casualties, whilst the Lincolnshire lost eleven other ranks
killed, and eighteen wounded. The 3rd was a trying day as the
enemy's trench-mortars were very active, and twelve more men
were killed and seventeen wounded.
The 6th Battalion marched from Villers to Verchain on the
1st November, and on the 2nd relieved troops of the 4th Division
who were in support in the railway cutting between Artres and
Querenaing. On the 3rd the battalion moved to a line north of
Preseau to support the Sherwood Foresters, who were to attack
Curgies on the 4th and make good the railway line (Valenciennes-
Maubeuge) and the high ground beyond.
The Fourth Army opened the attack at 5.45 a.m., the IX.
Corps taking the crossings over the Sambre Canal in its front
with the 1st and 32nd Divisions. The 46th Division was in
support, 1 with orders to continue the advance to the second
objective east of Cartignies, Dompierre and St. Remy road,
towards Avesnes.
Heavy mist covered the ground when the 1 /5th Lincolnshire
1 The Sambre-Oise Canal was a most formidable obstacle sixty feet wide, unfordable,
with steep slippery banks, and wire mixed with abattis along the farther edge.
383
HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE REGIMENT
marched at 6.30 a.m. to their assembly positions west of Mazing-
hien. At 11 a.m. the battalion moved nearer to the Canal.
By that hour the 1st Division had taken the line of the Sambre
Canal and reached the line of the bridgehead objective, i.e., the
road running past Fesmy from the south-east, past the cross-roads
at Hautreve, and Petit St. Martin to the bridge at Catillon.
The Lincolnshire remained west of the Canal until 4 p.m.,
when they set out to relieve the Black Watch of the 1st Brigade
(1st Division), then holding a line from Grand Galop Farm to
the road junction north of La Groise. By 1 1 p.m. the Lincoln-
shire had relieved the Highlanders and were disposed — B Com-
pany on the right, A in the centre, C on the left and D in support.
From midnight onwards rain fell in torrents ; A and B
Companies pushed forward patrols during darkness and at dawn
on the 5th advanced some eight hundred yards, capturing four
77mm. and three 10.5cm. guns as well as several machine-guns.
At 8 a.m. the 137th Brigade passed through the 138th, and the
Lincolnshire withdrew to billets in Mezieres and La Groise.
The two days operations had cost the battalion only one other
rank wounded.
On the 6th the 138th Brigade supported the 137th during
the advance of the latter. The Lincolnshire left Mezieres and
La Groise in heavy rain at 6.25 a.m., reached La Goelle, two miles
from Mezieres on the road to Prishes, where a halt was called
until 2 p.m., when (still in heavy rain) the march was continued
to Prishes. As the battalion was entering that village, orders
were received to push on to Cartignies, as the 138th Brigade was
to pass through the 137th and 139th on the following morning.
In Cartignies a quiet night was spent in comfortable billets
though the enemy was only just east of the town.
Just after midnight 6th /7th the battalion's patrols passed
through the outposts of the 137th and 139th Brigades towards a
line along the western side of the Petit Helpe River, which ran
round the south-eastern, eastern and northern outskirts of
Cartignies. The river was reconnoitred for places and means of
crossing, but all bridges had been destroyed with the exception
of a small footbridge which could take infantry in single file.
The Commanding Officer (Lieut.-Colonel H.G. Wilson), there-
fore, decided that all four companies should cross the bridge
just before dawn and get into position on the eastern bank of the
river ready to advance.
At 5 a.m. the 138th Brigade passed through the 137th and
1 39th Brigades, 1 /5th Leicesters on the right, 1 /5th Lincoln-
shire on the left. Half an hour previously a patrol had been sent
down the river to the discovered footbridge to reconnoitre for
signs of the enemy, and remain there until all four companies
384
THE 5th LINCOLNSHIRE NO v. 7 th, , 9t s
liad crossed the river and were in position : the patrol was then
to return and report to Brigade Headquarters. But when the
former reached the river, to their consternation, they found that
the heavy rain had swollen it and the swift current had washed
away the footbridge. There were no signs of the enemy and
civilians stated that they had left at 3 a.m.
The difficulty was to cross the river. But, aided by the
civilians, who fo 
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